Saucers vol 5 no 3

Magazine Overview

'SAUCERS' is a quarterly publication by Flying Saucers International, presented here in its Autumn 1957 issue, Volume V, Number 3. The magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, aiming to resolve the overall UFO problem and counter official censorship. This issue features a cover photograph described as taken in Styria, Austria, and includes articles on physical evidence, official reports, and public opinion.

Editorial: "Flying Saucers Are Finally Respectable."

The editorial credits the newly formed National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) in Washington, D.C., for making the UFO subject more respectable. NICAP, directed by Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe, is lauded for its concerted effort to resolve UFO aspects and terminate official censorship. The editorial commends Keyhoe, Associate Editor Lee R. Munsick, and Administrative Assistant Rose Hackett Campbell. It lists an impressive Board of Governors, including Col. Robert B. Emerson, Frank Edwards, Prof. Charles A. Maney, Vice-Admiral Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, Lt. Generals P. A. del Valle and William E. Kepner, Maj. Dewey J. Fournet, Jr., Dr. Marcus Bach, Talbot T. Speer, Abraham M. Sonnabend, Brig. General Thomas B. Catron, Rear Admiral Herbert B. Knowles, Reverends Leon C. LeVan and Albert H. Baller, and J. B. Hartranft, Jr. A Panel of Special Advisors is also mentioned, including Captains William B. Nash and Clarence S. Chiles, Warrant Officer Delbert C. Newhouse, Albert M. Chop, Lou Corbin, and Wilbert B. Smith. The editorial announces NICAP's monthly magazine, 'The UFO Investigator,' and encourages associate membership at $7.50 annually to support UFO research. It quotes Frank Edwards stating that the involvement of high-ranking individuals in NICAP will make it difficult to dismiss UFO reports as the work of 'screwballs.' The magazine strongly recommends supporting NICAP and provides their address in Washington, D.C.

Conclusive Proof That Saucers Exist by Dr. Olavo Fontes

This article, reproduced from 'The A.P.R.C. Bulletin,' details an incident on December 13, 1954, in Campinas, Brazil. A woman washing clothes witnessed three round, cone-shaped craft. One craft descended low, emitting a strong fluorescent light, and dropped a liquid substance described as 'silver rain.' Part of this material fell in her backyard, forming a brilliant, glowing stain that was incandescent and hot. Professor Benedite G. Nascimento, a skeptic of UFOs, was called to witness the event. The substance was described as a 'molten metal' and was sent to Young Laboratories for analysis. The chief chemist, Dr. Visvalde Maffel, analyzed the metallic sample, finding it to be 88.91% chemically pure tin (Sn) and 11.9% oxygen. He stated that this was the purest tin ever found on Earth, with no impurities. Dr. Maffei expressed that the material was completely unknown to Earth and suggested it might be of meteoritic origin, though a pure tin meteorite had never been found. The incident was reported in Rio's newspapers on December 22-3-4, 1954.

Air Defense Command and Further Analysis

The Air Defense Command in Rio de Janeiro sent an emissary to collect a sample of the metal from Campinas. The Air Force's analysis results were kept secret, though it was reported that their chemists confirmed Dr. Maffei's findings. The article notes Major Ruppelt's statement from 'True' magazine (May 1954) that there had been no physical evidence of saucers in seven years. An editor's note reveals that reporter Danton Gomes uncovered more fragments, and one sample was sent to Prof. Charles A. Maney at Defiance College, Ohio. Prof. Maney enlisted Professor Nathan Meltz of the Chemistry Department to analyze the sample. Professor Meltz conducted tests for tin and antimony, finding no trace of antimony, which is usually present as an impurity in tin. The density of the sample was found to be 10.3, significantly higher than the published density of tin (7.3).

Air Force Reports on Edwards UFO Tracking

This section addresses a UFO sighting at Edwards Air Force Base on May 3, 1957, previously reported in 'UFO News.' The Air Force, in a letter from Major Robert F. Spence, concluded that the alleged UFO was a weather balloon. They stated that the balloon was tracked with precision recording devices and passed the observer's location at the reported time. Radar data showed nothing unusual. The photographs, even when magnified, showed small white specks alternately changing from elliptical to round, typical of balloons affected by atmospheric conditions. The Air Force opinion is that attributing anything unusual to this incident is unwarranted.

Short Shots & News Notes

This section contains various brief reports:

• Public Opinion: A Trendex News Poll found that 25.3% of Americans believe flying objects might be from outer space, 52.9% disbelieve or attribute them to terrestrial origins, and 21.8% are unsure. A 1952 Princeton Research Service poll showed similar results.
• Hollywood Production: Ron Ormond is planning a feature film titled "The Real Flying Saucer Story" based on 'contact stories,' which he believes Hollywood studios may try to suppress.
• William P. Lear: The industrialist reaffirmed his belief in UFOs, suggesting that the universe likely contains other intelligent beings.
• Walt Disney Productions: The program "Mars and Beyond" for Disneyland television will discuss extraterrestrial life and flying saucers.
• Books: Several books are mentioned, including "Steps to the Stars" by Daniel W. Fry, "The Truth About Flying Saucers" by Aime Michel, "The Inhabited Universe" by Kenneth W. Gatland and Derek D. Dempster, "Strangest of All" by Frank Edwards, and "Jets and Missiles" by Andy Bilimovich.
• Radio Moscow Broadcast: Russian scientist Yury Khlebtsovich discussed the possibility of launching a rocket to Venus within ten years and the importance of knowing about life on other planets.
• Corrections: A list of errata from the previous issue is provided.
• UFO Slides: 35mm color slides of UFO personalities are available.
• Frank Edwards Lecture: Flying Saucers International presented Frank Edwards in Los Angeles, featuring a film debate on UFOs.
• Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers: Congratulated on their Tenth Anniversary.
• Alan Phillips Article: Praised for an objective article on UFO research.
• Tape-Recorded UFO Information Service: Continues to add to its library of recordings.
• Rear Window Stickers: "Made On Mars By Little Green Men" stickers are available.
• Studio One Broadcast: A dramatization of the 1938 Orson Welles "Invasion from Mars" broadcast is mentioned.
• NICAP's UFO Investigator: The forthcoming issue is expected to contain important UFO data.
• Spectral Emission of Green Fireball: Flying Saucers International learned that the spectral emission of the 'green fireball' phenomena in the Southwestern United States most closely resembles Uranium, contrary to previous reports indicating Copper.
• John Otto's Contact Attempt: A CBS recording of John Otto's 'contact attempt' was featured on WBBM, Chicago.
• UFO Statistics: The Air Force is expected to reveal statistics on UFO sightings.
• Pasadena Air Filter Center: Noted for its lack of interest in UFO reports.
• Brazilian Contact Claimant: Joao de Freitas Guimaraes, a professor, reportedly had a 'contact.'
• Air Research and Defense Command: Ordered to deny contemplation of moon rockets.
• German Flying Saucer Review: The German 'Fliegende Untertassen Revue' is mentioned.
• German Secret Weapons Book: A book by Rudolf Lusar claims a 138-foot circular airfoil achieved high altitude and velocity in 1945.
• Dr. J. C. Cooke: A professor of Applied Mathematics in Malaya believes UFOs are controlled by intelligent beings, a view supported by Prof. R. A. Robinson.
• Vikton Schauberger: An engineer reported to have produced and flown hat or bell-shaped craft in 1940, utilizing diamagnetism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena, emphasizing the need for scientific analysis and evidence. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official government explanations and a belief in the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. The publication actively supports organizations like NICAP that are dedicated to uncovering the truth about UFOs and challenging what is perceived as official secrecy or misinformation. The editorial stance is one of encouraging public awareness and participation in UFO research, while critically examining official reports and promoting alternative theories and evidence.

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Autumn 1957
Publisher: SAUCERS
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of UFO NEWS, dated Autumn 1957, is dedicated to reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. It features a collection of sighting reports from various locations, a study on teenage attitudes towards UFOs, and a book review.

UFO Sightings Reports

The magazine presents a series of UFO sightings that occurred primarily during the summer of 1957:

• Ventura, California (May 21): Students and a teacher observed a white or silvery object in the sky, which disappeared within minutes. Officials offered no official explanation, though theories of Venus or misidentified balloons were advanced.
• Kansas City, Kansas (May 23): Four silvery objects flying in formation were reported. The formation split into two pairs, with one pair disappearing and reappearing. Witnesses reported some red on one object. Officials at Richards-Gebaur AFB declined to comment on radar tracking.
• Crockett, California (June 18): Crewmen aboard the freighter Hawaiian Fisherman reported seeing two UFOs described as 'small moons' with a cold, white light. A third object joined them, and all three moved in a 'V' formation, pacing the ship.
• Chicago, Illinois (July 11): Hundreds of people reported a huge object floating over the city, with one witness claiming to see 'little men' running on it. Jet fighters were prepared for investigation. The Weather Bureau later attributed the phenomenon to a weather balloon, though the report notes a severe rainstorm occurred the following day.
• Bainbridge, Ohio (July 16): A nine-year-old boy and his mother reported four bright orange lights moving in perfect alignment to the south, later joined by a fifth light.
• Near Sydney, Australia (July 16-18): An extensive UFO 'flap' was reported, involving thousands of witnesses. One account describes a brilliant object approaching, hovering with loud sounds, and then fading.
• Salt Flat, Texas (July 17): An American Airlines Flight 655 nearly collided with a 'strange aircraft' the size of a B-47, which climbed toward the plane and swerved evasively.
• La Mesa, California (July 17): A UFO was reported to have whirled over a house, emitting an unusual noise.
• Shafter, Nevada (July 18): One of three B-47's on a classified mission crashed into a mountain peak, described by a witness as a streak of flame.
• Northern Rhodesia (July 21): Disc-shaped UFOs with 'flaming tails' were reported by copper miners.
• Texas (July 23): A TWA airliner dropped 500 feet to avoid a 'red and green light' bearing down on it.
• Oregon City, Oregon (July 25): Tax appraisers sighted a silver dollar-shaped object spinning and tilted at a slight angle, which sped across the sky.
• Toronto, Canada (July): RCAF Ground Observers tracked a UFO described as a 'little ball of fire' that shifted direction frequently.
• Galt, Ontario, Canada (July 30): A 15-year-old boy reported a round, silver-colored object that hovered before landing. Later, footprints and burned patches were found. The object reportedly emitted 'red flame' before ascending.
• Nantucket, Massachusetts (August 5): A medical practitioner, his wife, and their hostess observed a cigar-shaped object that appeared as a vapor trail, became more distinct, and assumed a horizontal position.
• The Midwest (August 5-7): Thousands reported unidentified aerial objects, with one report of a UFO tracked at 2,000 mph near Celino, Ohio.
• Anapolis, Brazil (August 9): A luminous UFO was observed hovering for 40 minutes above the city before disappearing.
• San Bernardino, California (August 21): Residents reported a long, white, glowing object traveling east, described by some as stationary and silent.
• Greater San Gabriel, California (August 22): Hundreds reported UFOs, described as domed in a Mexican hat-shape through a telescope.
• Salem, Oregon (August 23): Witnesses reported three UFOs hovering high over Woodburn, with two ascending rapidly and one diving out of sight.
• East Thermopolis, Wyoming (August 31): Residents reported a round, ice blue object with windows hovering about 10 feet above ground, which disappeared behind a hill, traveling 'faster than anything I could comprehend.'

Teenagers Respond to UFO Queries

This section, authored by Stephen C. Grisillo, details a visit to a Seventh Grade Science Class in Miami, Florida. Forty students, aged 13-15, were surveyed about their knowledge and beliefs regarding flying saucers. Eighteen percent (18%) had read 'saucer books,' with Keyhoe's 'Flying Saucers from Outer Space' and Leslie-Adamski's 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' being the most popular. When asked if they believed UFOs were real, 88% of the 36 respondents said yes, while 11% considered them hoaxes or hallucinations. Nine students (20%) claimed to have seen saucers themselves, and they shared brief accounts of their experiences, including sightings of bluish-white lights in a V-formation and a strange blue light that made slow movements.

Grisillo concludes that the teenagers of today will be the adults who resolve the saucer mystery, as they are actively seeking answers and are not afraid of the truth.

Book Review: Flying Saucers, Space Travel and Atomic Energy

Paul R. Trent reviews Dr. Daniel Q. Posin's privately published book. The review notes that the book's initial chapter discusses UFO sightings as natural phenomena and misidentifications. Chapter II covers aspects of Mars, with the author suggesting Martians would be of a lower developmental order. Chapter III involves an imaginary saucer trip to outer space, and the author indicates UFOs originate from another galaxy. The book also includes lessons in astronomy and atomic energy. The reviewer finds that little on UFOs is actually covered, with few names, dates, or places mentioned. The $2.00 price includes an autographed picture of the author. Despite its shortcomings, the reviewer's impression is 'not entirely unfavorable.' The editor's note mentions that Dr. Posin hosts a weekly science program in Chicago and that 'Flying Saucers International' is not handling this publication.

Flying Saucer Books Price List

A list of various flying saucer books is provided with their prices, including titles by Orfeo Angelucci, Truman Bethurum, Arthur Constance, Leonard G. Cramp, Charles Fort, Daniel W. Fry, L. S. de Camp, Waveney Girvan, M. K. Jessup, Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe, Leslie and Adamski, Aimé Michel, Max B. Miller, The Earl Nelson, Edward J. Ruppelt, Frank Scully, and George Hunt Williamson. These books are available through Flying Saucers International in Los Angeles, with a discount for orders over $10.00.

Back Copies Available

Information is provided on the availability of back issues of 'SAUCERS' magazine, with prices listed for individual copies and sets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, emphasizing witness testimony and the search for explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, presenting various reports and perspectives without definitive conclusions, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for critical thinking, as highlighted by the Albert Schweitzer quote. The inclusion of teenage perspectives suggests an interest in the future of UFO research and the potential for younger generations to find answers.