Saucers, Space & Science - No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE
Editor: Gene Duplantier
Issue: Number 5
Date: July 1958

This issue of 'Saucers, Space & Science' delves into various reports and discussions surrounding unidentified flying objects (UFOs), space exploration, and related phenomena. The publication, based in Toronto, Canada, serves as a platform for sharing witness accounts, news, and opinions on these subjects.

Key Incidents and Sightings

Lulu Island Incident (February 24, 1958)

The Vancouver Area Flying Saucer Club submitted an account from Grahane Langton, a 12-year-old boy, detailing an incident on Lulu Island. Upon returning from a Scout meeting, he noticed a bright light in the sky, appearing like a full moon. He then encountered an object in his backyard, approximately three feet off the ground, about ten feet in diameter, with a whitish-grey color and a dark red centre light. The red light concentrated on a car passing by. The object then became dark, and balls on projecting arms began to buzz before it took off at a tilted angle. Langton also reported a buzzing sound in his garden earlier that afternoon, which he initially dismissed.

Other Canadian Sightings

Several other sightings from Canada are featured:

• Galt Area (March): A witness reported seeing a strange, bright, round object in the sky around 10 p.m. that remained stationary for about an hour before disappearing.
• Kitchener (April 12, 1958): Homer Schaefer observed a speck in the sky with a vapor trail, identified as Sputnik, and noted two smaller vapor trails following it. He speculated these might be scout ships recording Sputnik's final hours.
• Preston (November 6, 1957): Mr. and Mrs. George Himes, their son Norman, and Miss Donna Hunter witnessed a circular object, described as the size of a soccer ball and a pinkish ball of fire, streaking across the heavens and vanishing into a cloud bank.
• Waterloo (April 13, 1958): Mr. and Mrs. W. Evans saw a 'ball of fire' in the sky for two minutes.
• Kirkland Lake, Ontario (July 28): Campers discovered a 'saucer-shaped' flying object, which camp officials claimed was a hoax.
• Galt (June 29): Richard Gammon and a friend saw a bright light, estimated at 3000 feet, hover over a river before heading towards them at about twelve feet high.
• North Hatley, Quebec (July 25): A flaming object, described as the size of a shotgun shell, fell on a farmer's land and was sent for examination.

International Reports

• Dawson Creek, B.C. (March 3): A search was initiated for an unidentified object falling from the sky near Charlie Lake.
• Lake Huron (March 3): A red flare was observed, possibly a distress signal or an aircraft breaking the sound barrier.
• London, England: Reports from 'Saucer Review' mention Pedro Zilli and Joao Ernani seeing saucers and hearing a buzzing sound.
• Cambodia Jungle: A hunter reported seeing an 'Abominable Snowman' creature.
• Henderson Island (South Pacific): Islanders found six skeletons in a cave, believed to be from the lost trader 'Joyita'.

Technological and Scientific Developments

1,000-Passenger Saucer?

A British report suggests the UK government is studying a plan to build 1,000-passenger saucers, based on designer George F. Miller's concept. These 'air-buses' would whisk commuters at 175 mph and could take off and land on water. The inventor's discovery, kept secret, is believed to involve downward thrusting jets and a high-pressure cushion of air. The machine could also operate on land, but hills and high structures pose obstacles.

Sputnik and Space Race

The issue mentions Sputnik multiple times, including its potential pass over Kitchener and its disintegration. There's also a report about a Soviet attempt to send a rocket to the moon failing. The U.S. is described as working on revolutionary super-secret projects related to outer space, aiming for an advantage over Russia. The possibility of using 'stardust' as a space propellant is also noted.

Other Scientific Notes

• Radio Signals from the Moon: Bonn University observatory picked up a continuous radio signal bounced off the moon from a US Army transmitter, suggesting a method for transmitting television over vast distances.
• Robot Technology: A robot capable of perceiving and recognizing its surroundings was unveiled at Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, potentially giving missiles a 'mind of their own'.
• Jupiter Eruptions: Astronomers detected volcano-like eruptions on Jupiter, causing unusual atmospheric disturbances.

Government and Secrecy

Lifting the Veil of Secrecy

U.S. Senator Smathers and Congressman Dante Fascell are noted for supporting the elimination of secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena. Norbert F. Gariety, editor of S.P.A.C.E., received letters from both expressing their views. Senator Smathers stated that while no legislation is pending, he would give attention to the matter if it came before the Senate. Congressman Fascell emphasized his fight against federal censorship of information that the American people have a right to know.

Russian Missile Platforms

Intelligence reports suggest Russia is building underground missile-launching platforms, leading to a cement shortage. These platforms are undetectable from the air, allowing Russia to potentially disarm while maintaining secret bases.

Miscellaneous Reports

Disappearing Lawn Hoses

A peculiar phenomenon of garden hoses 'disappearing' into the ground is reported, with explanations ranging from gremlins to scientific theories involving vacuum and suction.

Strontium Removal

A harmless substance, a tasteless yellow dye called rhodizonate, is described as capable of removing radioactive strontium from the body. This compound latches onto strontium atoms, forming an insoluble compound that can be eliminated.

Radioactive Waste Conversion

The AEC has found a way to convert deadly radioactive 'wastes' into valuable materials for medicine, industry, and research, simultaneously providing a safe disposal method.

Spacemen Abducting Citizens?

One article speculates that the disappearance of thousands of people over three years is due to spacemen seeking Earthlings for scientific study, using rays that lift victims off the Earth.

Mysterious Creatures

A report from Cambodia describes an 'Abominable Snowman' type creature.

Anti-Collision Lights

Flashing white lights seen in the sky are identified as anti-collision lights developed by Minneapolis-Honeywell, designed for faster aircraft detection.

Nuclear Weapons Opposition

An article strongly opposes nuclear weapons, citing the devastation in Japan and the ongoing race for bigger and deadlier bombs. It calls for global cooperation to preserve humanity from annihilation.

Teen Age Jargon

A section defines slang terms used by teenagers, such as 'PAD' for home and 'OUT OF SIGHT' for satellite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the broader implications for humanity, including technological advancements, government secrecy, and potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while encouraging readers to consider the possibilities. There is a clear interest in promoting the idea that UFOs are a real phenomenon worthy of investigation and public awareness, often contrasting this with official skepticism or lack of transparency.