Saucers vol 5 no 2

Magazine Overview

'SAUCERS' magazine, Vol. V No. 2, published in Summer 1957, is a quarterly publication by Flying Saucers International. This issue, number 17, costs 35¢ per copy and features a cover story on 'MARS 1956' with accompanying photographs and a report on astronomical observations. The magazine is edited by Max B. Miller and is a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the ten-year anniversary of the UFO enigma, dating back to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. It notes the progress in UFO literature and media but warns against 'extremism' within the research community, distinguishing between 'objective' and 'subjective' approaches. The editor emphasizes the importance of respecting all viewpoints and striving for 'TRUTH'.

Our "UFO Diary"

This section features a compilation of UFO sightings by Mrs. G. W. Arvidson and her family, spanning from December 1952 to September 1956. The sightings include a fan-shaped object with white substance, a large floating yellow light, a railroad tank car-shaped object, and various pulsating lights with halos. Mrs. Arvidson notes that clear skies are beneficial for observation and encourages others to make watching the sky a habit.

Operation Contact

John Otto details his attempts to establish 'verbal' communication with non-terrestrial intelligence using light-beam transmissions. The article describes an experiment conducted on Lake Michigan on April 30, 1957, involving observers, press representatives, and a 'Contact Boat'. During the experiment, flares were lit, and several unusual phenomena were observed, including an orange-colored object and a striking aurora borealis display. Otto concludes that while the signals were inconclusive, the effort served its purpose.

"Flying Saucers — Fact or Fiction?"

This section presents a collection of positive comments and reviews for a book titled 'Flying Saucers — Fact or Fiction?' by Max B. Miller. Reviewers from various publications, including the Chico Enterprise-Record and the Flying Saucer Review, praise the book for its illustrations, information, and contribution to UFO research. The section also includes an advertisement for purchasing the book.

What You Too Can Do

Larry P. Roberts addresses the public perception of UFOs, describing them as 'unwanted stepchildren' of modern science. He urges those who believe in UFOs to take responsibility for presenting findings to the public, noting that a small minority believes in their existence. Roberts suggests that writing to news media and programs can help shift public opinion and encourage more open discussion about UFO sightings.

First Reports of 1956 Mars Opposition

This article discusses the limited findings from the 1956 Mars opposition, attributing the difficulty in observing Martian surface details to unfavorable planetary positions and a 'dust storm'. It highlights a report by Dr. Robert S. Richardson of Mount Wilson and Palomar Observatories, who observed peculiar blue lines resembling 'canals' on Mars. The article also mentions observations by Thomas R. Cave, Jr., who reported seeing numerous canals and cases.

Short Shots and News Notes

This section provides brief updates and announcements. It includes information on Kodachrome and Stereo-Realist slides of UFO personalities produced by The Color Control Co., reviews of UFO-related books such as 'Saucer Diary' by Israel Norkin and 'Lost Continents' by L. Sprague de Camp, and details about the 'UFO Forum Source Material' compiled by Col. Robert B. Emerson. Apologies are extended to Norbert F. Fariety for an incorrect subscription rate listing. The section also recommends 'Flying Saucers', a periodical from New Zealand, and 'UFO Newsletter'. An article on 'Magnetic Antennas' from 'Aviation Research and Development Magazine' is also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, astronomical observations of Mars, attempts at communication with extraterrestrial intelligence, and the challenges of public perception and research methodology within the UFO community. The editorial stance, as articulated in the 'Editorial' section, is one of advocating for a balanced and respectful approach to UFO research, emphasizing the pursuit of truth and cautioning against divisive extremism. The magazine aims to provide information and encourage open discussion on the subject.

Title: SAUCERS
Issue: #17
Issue Date: June 1, 1957
Publisher: Flying Saucers International
Country: USA
Price: 35¢

This issue of SAUCERS magazine, dated June 1, 1957, presents a collection of "Short Shots and News Notes" and "UFO NEWS" detailing various sightings, events, and related information within the UFO and aerospace community. It also includes "Important Announcements" regarding price changes and a list of "Flying Saucer Books" available for purchase.

Short Shots and News Notes

The "Short Shots and News Notes" section opens with a comment on a "radical new conception" that will parallel the impact of transistors on electronics, hinting at anti-gravitation propulsion systems being explored by the Russians. It then discusses the progress in rocketry and ballistic missiles in the United States, noting the extensive publications in "Jet Propulsion" and "Missiles and Rockets." The Martin Company's advertisements for "PROJECT X," seeking engineers for a "totally new and untried area of exploration," are highlighted. A curious paragraph from "Missiles and Rockets" is quoted, emphasizing the duty of a claimant to prove their assertions rather than others disproving them.

The issue also mentions the Lockheed Constellation aircraft modified with a "discoid radome" (Flying Saucers, Fact or Fiction?, p. 36), which was extensively test-flown and reported to have superior performance with its disc-shaped airfoil. Herman R. Salmon, Lockheed's chief engineering test pilot, noted a better rate of climb and higher cruising speed. Flight Test Engineer Joe F. Ware commented on the reduced drag and conventional flight behavior.

The "Fourth Annual Spacecraft Convention" held on May 11-12, 1957, at Giant Rock Airport, California, is noted, with speakers including George W. Van Tassel, Truman Bethurum, and Howard Menger. Representatives from Life and Esquire magazines were present, and attendance was estimated at close to 1,500.

Declassified USAF contracts are listed, including those awarded to the University of Rochester for research on "primary cosmic radiation," the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn for "electro-magnetic theory and information processes," and the Armour Research Foundation of Illinois for research on "electromagnetic launcher for high speed projectiles."

A photograph appearing in "Flying Saucers - Fact or Fiction?" is identified as a dark-room simulation by August C. Roberts. The extensive media coverage of John Otto's "contact attempt" in Lake Michigan is detailed, with significant column inches dedicated by the Chicago Daily News, Waukegan News-Sun, Chicago Sun-Times, and Chicago Tribune.

Important Announcements

Due to rising production costs, "Flying Saucers International" announces an increase in the price of "Saucers" to 35¢ per copy, effective June 1, 1957. The subscription rate is increased to six issues for $2.00, and back issues are now 35¢ each. The magazine states this increase will allow for gradual expansion of overall quality and offset postal rate increases.

An advertisement from a Midwestern publisher is addressed, refuting a claim that Max B. Miller is their "West-Coast Editor."

A quote from the Bhagavad-Gita is included: "Lose discrimination, and you miss life's only purpose."

UFO NEWS

The "UFO NEWS" section provides a chronological compilation of numerous sightings and incidents from January to May 1957:

• January 1-2, 1957 (Ashby, Minn.): Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Naderson observed a "triangular figure, with two lights side by side in the lower part and some light along the edges" for three-quarters of an hour, traveling slowly and high.
• January 1, 1957 (Montevideo, Minn.): Sheriff Hans Strand observed an object "flat on top and egg-shaped on the bottom" that alternated color from red to white to a bluish glow, traveling at a slow pace.
• January 11, 1957 (Waubay, S. Dak.): A bright red object emitting a "buzzing sound" passed over witnesses at 8:30 p.m., estimated to be 400 feet above the ground.
• January 19, 1957 (Odanah, Wis.): Truck driver Urpo Wehmanen sighted an egg-shaped object, possibly the size of a large aircraft, moving fast with a flaming tail.
• January 21 & 23, 1957 (Garvin, Minn.): Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Gregoire spotted a softball-sized object of "all colors of the rainbow, fading in and out," moving in every direction.
• January 24, 1957 (Ottawa, Canada): "Competent Canadian officials" disclosed that vapor trails had been sighted over the Queen Elizabeth Islands, assumed to be from Russian reconnaissance planes.
• January 27, 1957 (Glendora, Calif.): Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Chilver observed an "amber colored object of light, which at first appeared in the shape of a giant cigar," with two glowing discs.
• February 2, 1957 (Lakewood, Calif.): Bob McCracken reported sighting three groups of UFOs, with 20-25 objects each, described as "about the size of a small car," with flashing lights, traveling much faster than aircraft.
• February 4, 1957 (Harbor and South Bay Area, Calif.): A "mystery blast" violently shook several cities, attributed to supersonic jets.
• February 11, 1957 (Kaimuki, Hawaii): Mrs. Winifred Anderson sighted a domed object like a "half-ball" and glowing, with a shiny tail, followed by a second, smaller object.
• February 11, 1957 (Redlands, Calif.): Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bierschbach reported observing "about six circular lights of yellowish color" that disappeared as if turned off by a switch.
• February 13-14, 1957 (San Fernando Valley, Calif.): Mr. and Mrs. Eugene W. Haskins observed an incandescent UFO hovering over the Lockheed Air Terminal.
• February 14, 1957 (Pasadena, Calif.): Police investigated reports of an "unidentified flying object on the City Hall roof."
• February 17, 1957 (Albany, Oregon): Dave Henderson reported sighting two "orangish-colored" spheroids traveling NE, described as "something like baseballs," vanishing after splitting apart.
• March 8, 1957 (Air Route, New York to Puerto Rico): Captain Matthew A. Van Winkle and Flight Engineer John Washuta spotted a round, brilliant greenish-white light, nearly as large as the full moon, at 19,000 feet.
• March 8, 1957 (Beaumont to Houston, Texas): Victor Hancock and Guy Miller reported sighting an object with three "white and brilliant" lights that sped past their DC-3 plane.
• March 9, 1957 (Baudette, Minn.): An unidentified pilot spotted a luminous, circular object, indistinct at its periphery, moving soundlessly at an estimated 50-60 mph just above tree-top level.
• March 14, 1957 (Southern United States): A blinding "fireball" was sighted from Florida to Texas, with reports of a huge triangular object and flaming aircraft.
• March 17, 1957 (Palmer, Alaska): Several residents and police officers witnessed explosions and rising smoke from an area above Pioneer Peak.
• March 21, 1957 (Southeast of Tokyo): A C-57 Stratocruiser carrying 67 Army passengers disappeared without warning; "Yellow objects" were sighted, and reports of "considerable debris" were investigated.
• March 22, 1957 (Hanford, Calif.): Reporter Dave Camp and others watched a sluggishly-moving, grey and circular UFO ahead of a high-flying multi-engine jet plane.
• March 22-24, 1957 (So. California): Mrs. Robert Beaudoin and a neighbor viewed objects "like a tear drop tipped sideways" hovering and moving erratically. Deputy Sheriff Richard McHenry also saw an "object" from Oxnard AFB.
• March 23(?), 1957 (Puyallup, Wash.): Jim Geise witnessed a luminous, metallic ball, described as "round but still somewhat disc-shaped," descend rapidly and then swoop up again.
• March 29, 1957 (Wickenberg, Arizona): Herb E. Allen observed six silvery flying objects, described as "playing a game of tag," with one diving toward the earth.
• April 4, 1957 (West Coast of Scotland): Two radar stations tracked a mysterious flying object at 60,000 feet, which then dove to 14,000 feet and vanished.
• April 11, 1957 (Cohasset, Mass.): Mrs. Stoddard Marsh witnessed jet planes chasing a "very brilliant, gold disc."
• April 13, 1957 (Plymouth-Kingston area): Two sisters reported a yellow light, and three girls saw a red and green object "surrounded by little white lights."
• April 29, 1957 (East Coast of England): An RAF radar screen picked up a UFO speeding due west at 900-1000 mph; interceptors were dispatched but could not sight it.
• April 28, 1957 (Modesto, Calif.): Charles G. Reynolds observed five luminous, hubcap-shaped objects heading NE, described as not being aircraft or birds.
• May 7, 1957 (Saudi Arabian Desert): Four USAF T-33 jet trainers mysteriously crashed in rapid sequence.
• May 12, 1957 (Portland, Ore.): A private plane piloted by Willis Allen Wood "inexplicably fell apart."
• May 3, 1957 (Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.): Two civilian specialists tracked and photographed a UFO described as round and bright, moving slowly.
• May 21, 1957 (Greater Los Angeles): A tremendous "mystery blast" rocked the area, causing broken windows and other disturbances, with reports of planes colliding and explosions.

Flying Saucer Books

A list of available "Flying Saucer Books" is provided, including titles by Donald E. Keyhoe, Aime Michel, Frank Scully, Charles Fort, Edw. J. Ruppelt, Leonard G. Cramp, Truman Bethurum, Orfeo Angelucci, Max B. Miller, The Earl Nelson, George Hunt Williamson, Leslie and Adamski, M. K. Jessup, and Daniel W. Fry. Prices range from $0.75 to $6.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the reporting of numerous unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings from various locations, primarily in the United States and Canada, during the first half of 1957. The magazine meticulously documents these events, often citing local newspaper reports and official statements (or lack thereof). There is an underlying interest in the scientific and military implications of these phenomena, as evidenced by the discussion of Air Force contracts and the Lockheed Constellation modification. The editorial stance appears to be one of open reporting and investigation of UFO phenomena, presenting accounts without immediate dismissal, while also acknowledging the need for proof and the possibility of misidentification or hoaxes, as suggested by the quote from Jaques Loeb and the mention of a simulated UFO photograph. The price increase announcement indicates a commitment to improving the magazine's quality and coverage.