Saucers, Space & Science - No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE
Publisher: NORTH JERSEY U. F. O. GROUP
Editor: Gene Duplantier
Issue: Number 7
Date: December - 1958

This issue marks the one-year anniversary of "Saucers, Space & Science," a publication dedicated to UFO phenomena. The editor, Gene Duplantier, expresses gratitude to fellow publishers and readers, noting the inclusion of extra pages for this special issue and extending holiday wishes.

Personal Accounts and Sightings

The Galt Incident Revisited

The editor recounts a personal experience about a month after the well-publicized Galt saucer landing in July 1957. While revisiting the site with a friend named Leslie, the editor witnessed an orange-red light above the treetops. This light blinked on and off twice and then disappeared. Later, a similar light appeared closer, blinking twice before vanishing. The editor speculates if this was a signal from the original saucer's occupants or a related phenomenon, referencing a similar experience in the November issue of SEARCH.

Strange Sights in the Sky: Wallaceburg, Ontario

This section details a sighting of an unidentified flying object (UFO) low in the northeast sky. A group of newsmen observed the object, which flashed brilliant red, green, and blue. They agreed it was not a weather balloon or conventional aircraft and moved like a kite. The flashing lights varied in intensity. Speculation ranged from a helicopter to a flying saucer. Despite using binoculars, the unsteady movement made clear sighting difficult. The object's movement did not coincide with stars, ruling out atmospheric effects on starlight. A similar object seen later was identified as a star after a half-hour observation.

U.S. Navy Claims Mystery Object

A metal object containing a tape recorder and other equipment, fished out of the sea at Consetts Bay, Barbados, has been claimed by U.S. officials. Commander G.R. Shacklette of the U.S. Navy facility at Harrison's Point confirmed it as U.S. property. The object, slightly larger than a football, was recovered by fishermen.

UFO Flashes Across the Sky: Meaford, Ontario

Several residents reported seeing a disturbance that flashed across the sky early Tuesday morning. Arthur Ferguson described it as a chandelier flare or the exhaust from a large jet, heading straight down with a noise like thunder. F.O. Bumstead and Richard Dorna also witnessed the same object.

Four O.P.P. Men See Saucer at Paisley

Four Provincial Police officers from the Walkerton detachment reported sighting a "pulsating" object hovering in the sky over Bruce County. The object was stationary for 20-25 minutes, changing colors from red, green, white, mauve, and blue, before disappearing like a light. Officers Washburn and Reis had previously seen a similar object three years prior.

Glow Lights Sky from Ontario to Penna.

A flash of light was observed on October 21st, described as a bright bluish-white glow shining with daylight brightness. Sightings were reported from London, Niagara Falls, Perth, Tillsonburg, Toronto, and western New York state. A spokesman at Toronto's Malton Airport suggested it might have been a flare, but fog prevented further investigation. Roland Michaud of Saguenay, Quebec, described a "big push of wind" followed by a flash and a "big bang," possibly from an object of great magnitude hitting the ground. Geophysical observatory records indicated a minor quake around the same time. Mrs. W.il. Brooke heard a noise like a large explosion and then thumps. Wayne Stanley reported seeing a similar phenomenon over Manitoba on October 15th.

Reddish Spot on the Moon

Soviet scientist Nikolai Kozyrev discovered a reddish spot in the moon crater Alphonse. While initially dismissed by British astronomers, H. Percy Wilkins later observed the patch, suggesting it could be caused by gases, possibly confirming Russian claims of a volcanic eruption.

Expert Opinions and Developments

AVRO Aircraft's "Flying Saucer"

AVRO Aircraft is set to test fly its "super-secret 'FLYING SAUCER'" early next year. The project, initially undertaken by the Canadian government, was taken over by the U.S. Air Force. The aircraft is described as a vertical take-off and landing craft with potential military and civilian applications, possibly serving as a "flying jeep" or air observation craft.

Hermann Oberth on Supernatural Forms and Space Travel

German rocket expert Hermann Oberth stated that the U.S. is intensively working on an electric space ship and predicted a manned space vehicle would reach the moon in "around 5 years." He also believes supernatural forms are watching Earth and are "very intelligent beings."

"The Master Mind" Publication

"The Master Mind" is a profusely illustrated publication by William Damon, a portrait painter and humorist, who claims to have overcome gravity using centrifugal force and simple physical laws. Bulletin 'A' is available for $1.00, and subscriptions to "The Master Mind" are offered for a $5.00 donation per year.

"Flying Saucers Explained" Book

A forthcoming book titled "Flying Saucers Explained" is being prepared by William Damon. A limited offer is available for readers of "Saucers, Space and Science" to purchase "THE MASTER MIND - Bulletin 'A'" for $0.50.

Scientific and Technological Notes

Moon Power Plant Design

A moon power plant design by Westinghouse uses only wire mesh and chemically coated plastic. When exposed to sunlight, the surface emits electrons, creating an electronic voltage.

Radiation Belt and Space Travel

The recently discovered band of lethal radiation around the Earth may not be a barrier to space travel. Radiation-free zones near the poles could allow safe passage into space. The radiation belt extends approximately 1,400 miles.

America's First Spaceship

America's first spaceship is expected to be developed shortly at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama, featuring a super booster with a thrust of 500,000 pounds for satellite launching.

Communist China's "Man-Made Sun"

Communist China has reportedly produced a small man-made sun capable of generating temperatures of "tens of millions of degrees Centigrade."

Upper Atmosphere Observations

Air Force Lt. Clifton M. McClure described the rim of outer space as living in a "Fluorescent tube," with the sky appearing as a deep, indescribable black at 99,300 feet.

University of Michigan Rocket Experiments

Scientists at the University of Michigan have launched rocket-propelled bottles into the upper atmosphere. These bottles opened and shut in space, returning with collected substances, including neon and helium gases.

Atomic Reactor Waste Disposal

A Canadian scientist is testing a solution for disposing of atomic reactor ashes by melting radioactive waste into solid glass blocks, which are then buried.

Ground Observer Corps Deactivation

The U.S. Air Force will deactivate the 280,000-member Ground Observer Corps and close its 16,000 civilian observation posts, citing the obsolescence of these measures against supersonic bombers and missiles.

Book Review

"Flying Saucers and the Straight Line Mystery" by Aime Michel

Reviewed by Sally Townsend, this book presents documentary evidence of a meaningful pattern in UFO activity, suggesting a guiding intelligence. The author, Aime Michel, claims to have discovered a method to study saucer movements scientifically, finding they travel in a straight line, a phenomenon he calls "Orthoteny." The review emphasizes the need for governments to acknowledge this evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucers, Space & Science" consistently explores the unexplained, particularly UFO sightings and related phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts, expert opinions, and scientific developments without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities. There's a recurring theme of questioning official explanations and seeking deeper understanding of these events. The publication also highlights related literature and research efforts in the field of ufology.

This issue of "They Knew Too Little About Flying Saucers" features a cover story on William Damon, an inventor who claims to have overcome the force of gravity using centrifugal force and simple physical laws. The magazine also includes a satirical comic strip that humorously critiques the world of flying saucer research.

William Damon's Gravity-Defying Invention

The primary focus of the cover is William Damon, presented as the "FIRST TO OVERCOME THE FORCE OF GRAVITY." The text explains that he achieves this by using "CENTRIFUGAL FORCE AND SIMPLE PHYSICAL LAWS." Several diagrams (Fig. 1-5) illustrate his invention, which appears to be a disc-shaped craft. Key components labeled include an 'ARM', 'WEIGHT', 'LIFT', 'MOTOR', 'CIRCULAR K', 'PM PERMANENT MAGNET', 'ROTATION D', 'WHEEL', 'GENERATOR', 'TRANSMISSION', and 'CAPACITOR PLATE'. Fig. 1 shows that 'LIFT INCREASES AS RPM INCREASES'. Fig. 3 includes a note about 'TORQUE COMPENSATION MEANS NOT SHOWN EXCEPT IN FIG. 3.' The diagrams are credited to the "SOLE INVENTOR OF ALL SHOWN ON THIS PAGE, 1958 BY William Damon."

Satirical Comic Strip: "They Knew Too Little About Flying Saucers"

The majority of the content is a condensation of a "great literary work" and is presented in a comic strip format. The strip follows a fictional saucer-researcher named A. Bendwell, who is depicted in his study surrounded by books and data.

Bendwell's Research Methods

Bendwell expresses frustration, stating, "I'm all upset, I'll read some saucer books to calm down." He is shown surrounded by titles like "THE SAUCER DIARY," "MY FLIGHT TO VENICE," "CUT OF THIS WORLD AND IN AGAIN," "OTHER TONGUES, OTHER FISH," "HAY EN'T LANDED," "THE SAUCERS," "FLYING SAUCERS SQUEAK," "MEN GO HOME MAD," and "THE 3RD AVE IN FRONT OF THE AS SKUZ." He also dismisses people from "rival saucer magazines."

Bendwell believes he has the answer and consults his files, including a "CRACKPOT FILE" and a "CASE FOR THE U.F.O." He also references "G. ADAMSKI SLIPPED HERE" and "SECRET SAUCER PROJECTS."

The "Washer Computer"

In a humorous turn, Bendwell declares, "Genius that I am, I've converted this old washer into... a MODERN COMPUTER!" He then interacts with a machine that has buttons labeled "RINSE," "COAT," "ANSWER," "RUMOR," "HINT," and "BELLY BUTTON." He presses a button, expecting an answer.

The "Fantastic" Answer and Conspiracy

When the machine produces an answer, Bendwell exclaims, "I HAVE IT! THE ANSWER!" and "IT'S FANTASTIC!" He is so excited that he feels compelled to "phone this news to the A & P immediately!" The comic implies that the answer is something extraordinary or unbelievable.

Silencing the Truth

The narrative takes a turn with a panel showing someone holding a paper with "#1" and a series of numbers, stating, "They're not going to shut me up before I tell you the reader, that the ANSWER is....." This suggests that the information is being suppressed.

The "Black Suits"

The final panel introduces a new element: "Little did he know these black suits are camouflage for our real uniforms!" This line, accompanied by illustrations of people in black suits and a group labeled "BELLEVUE BABBLE... GLUBBLE GLUB... CLUB...", hints at a conspiracy or a hidden truth behind appearances, possibly involving a secret organization or government cover-up related to UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue blends a serious presentation of a purported scientific invention (William Damon's anti-gravity device) with a lighthearted, satirical commentary on the UFO phenomenon and its researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism and amusement towards the more sensational aspects of UFOlogy, while also acknowledging the public fascination with the subject. The inclusion of the "black suits" and "real uniforms" suggests an underlying theme of deception or hidden agendas, common in UFO lore. The humor is derived from exaggerating the methods and beliefs of UFO enthusiasts.