Saucers, Space & Science - No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE
Issue: Number 8
Date: February - 1959
Editor: Gene Duplantier
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This issue of "Saucers, Space & Science" delves into various reports and theories surrounding unidentified flying objects (UFOs), space exploration, and related phenomena. The publication emphasizes that opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor and welcomes clippings and news.

Avro Aircraft's Flying Saucer

The magazine reports on the Avro Aircraft's flying saucer, which has successfully completed its initial static ground test. The vehicle, described as a "unique concept in aerial transportation" potentially utilizing "anti-gravity," is expected to undergo flight testing in the spring. It is noted to be oval-shaped with exhaust pipes.

Canadian Air Force Radar Alert

The Canadian Air Force has reportedly alerted its Arctic radar sites, including those on the DEW line, Mid-Canada line, and Pinetree line, to watch for a "space sled" approaching from the North Pole. Officials anticipate the vehicle will travel at super-sonic speeds and altitudes above 50,000 feet. The Ground Observer Corps has also been alerted for low-altitude approaches. The Air Defence Command, admitting past failures in detecting such visitors, hopes newer radar systems will allow for interception and identification.

Eyewitness Sightings

Several eyewitness accounts are featured:

• Liverpool-Milton, Nova Scotia: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burrows reported a stationary yellow-shiny light, described as about 8 feet long and rectangular, emitting a yellow-shiny light. A local resident, Mrs. Coles, also reported seeing the light.
• Riverport, Nova Scotia: Captain Donald Cook and his wife sighted a strange object that initially looked like an inverted "V" and later took the shape of a cigar.
• Uxbridge, Ontario: Two Toronto men reported a brilliant light descending "slowly like a spider in a web," described as a "20,000 watt bulb in an aluminum disc." It appeared to descend from about 4,000 feet and then shot rapidly out of sight.
• Malton Airport: Reports indicated nothing unusual in the air at the time of the Uxbridge sighting.
• Skookumobuck, British Columbia: J. W. Blake described objects resembling "pollywogs" or pieces of bright metal maneuvering in the sky, sometimes emitting a jet-like noise. These objects were observed to form a half-circle or drift in a straight line.

Scientific and Speculative Reports

• Moon Volcanism: The issue discusses the possibility of volcanic eruptions in the lunar crater Alphonsus, citing spectroscopic studies by Soviet astronomer Dr. N.A. Kozyrev. Kozyrev observed a reddish cloud and emission bands of carbon, which he compared to the head of a comet. Other observers, including Dr. G.P. Kuiper and Walter Haas, reported seeing nothing unusual, while Dr. H.O. Wilkins noted a reddish patch. Dr. Z. Kopal interprets the phenomenon as a release of gas from the lunar surface.
• 'Angels' on Radar: Members of the Stormy Weather Research Group at McGill, along with scientists from MIT, propose theories for unexplained radar signals labeled "angels." The McGill group suggests hot, moist air bubbles, while MIT scientists believe they are caused by birds. British researchers found evidence that insects were involved.
• Soviet Technology: A report mentions a Soviet apparatus developed by research men that enables a human to control a machine by thinking. Additionally, Radio Moscow announced work on a jet plane engine fueled by ionospheric gas.
• Canadian Space Program: Canada's flying saucer, developed by Avro Aircraft Ltd., is scheduled for flight trials in May or June. The machine, 18 feet in diameter, is designed for vertical takeoff and landing and can hover or dart at subsonic speeds, with a potential maximum altitude of 10,000 feet. The U.S. has taken over financing of the project.
• UFOs as Spirits: William C. Lamb presents a theological interpretation, arguing that UFOs are actually "spirits" of devils and fallen angels, capable of transforming themselves and creating miracles. He contends that UFO investigators are being "super-duped" by Satan.

Other Noteworthy Items

• Irish Saucer Tale: Joseph Bennett reported an object that cut a 30-foot oak tree in two, with Terent Nonweiler of Queen's University examining the damaged tree as tangible evidence.
• George Adamski's Claims: A letter from George Adamski to Japanese researchers suggests that "men from space" were interested in Sputnik and would "destroy the world" if any rockets attempted to land on Mars or other planets.
• Unusual Eggs: In Gormley, Ontario, William Firth's chickens began producing bright green eggs.
• Radio Signals: Rowland Beardow recorded signals from Russia's Lunik, which differed from previous satellite recordings.
• Solar System Model: A 2,000-year-old working model of the solar system was identified in a Greek museum.
• Abominable Snowman Sighting: Sir Hugh Rhys Rankin and his wife reported encountering an "abominable snowman" in the Scottish Highlands, describing it as large, with big feet and a strange dialect.
• Radar Beams: Britain's Air Force is using new radio and radar transmitters that can send powerful beams capable of harming people or animals at a distance.
• Ghost Satellites: Signals that sound like satellites but have no corresponding object nearby are explained as reflections from satellites passing over the opposite side of the Earth.
• Psychiatric Encounter: A humorous anecdote about a patient asked to compare George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
• Manitoba Monster: A creature described as having elephant-like skin, large size, and blowing bubbles underwater was sighted in Manitoba.
• Space Travel Plans: Russian scientist Anatoly A.B. Blagonravov stated plans to send the first man 400 miles into space and land a rocket on Venus in June.
• U.S. H-Bomb: The U.S. may soon reveal possession of a new super H-bomb.
• Canadian Toys: Flying Saucers and rockets were popular Canadian toys.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, space, and the unexplained, with a particular focus on UFO phenomena. While reporting on scientific developments and eyewitness accounts, there is also a strong undercurrent of speculative and even theological interpretations, as seen in the article linking UFOs to spiritual entities. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional theories and encourages reader participation through submissions and subscriptions to related publications.

This document, likely a flyer or newsletter from the William Damon Research Foundation, announces William Damon's invention aimed at providing sight to the blind. The headline boldly proclaims, "William Damon Gives SIGHT to the BLIND!". It serves as a public announcement and a call for support, urging readers to publish the information, place it on bulletin boards, make collections, and mail them to the foundation.

Patent Information

The document details the patent application for this invention. The applicant is listed as Damon William of Liberty, MO, with the invention titled "AIDS FOR THE BLIND AND THE LIKE." The U.S. Patent Office, Department of Commerce, issued a serial number 320560 for the series of 1948. The filing date is noted as November 14, 1952. A confirmation indicates that the petition, specification, drawing, and first fee of thirty dollars for the patent application were received. The confirmation is dated August 11, 1947, with a note about it being 'initially to division 23'. The Commissioner of Patents at the time was John A. Marzali.

Invention Details and Illustrations

Accompanying the text are several figures illustrating the invention. Figure 1, 2, and 3 are described as an "Early bulky version, including T. V." These figures show complex mechanical and optical components. Figure 5 depicts a "Transistorized version," suggesting an evolution towards more modern technology. The drawings indicate various numbered parts, hinting at the technical nature of the device.

Support and Donations

A section of the document is dedicated to soliciting donations. It includes a template for a check payable to the "WILLIAM DAMON RESEARCH FOUNDATION." The purpose of these "Freewill gift donations" is specified as being for "educational, religious and scientific research." The foundation's address is provided as P.O. BOX 8, LIBERTY, MO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is innovation and humanitarianism, focusing on technological solutions for disabilities. The document strongly promotes William Damon's invention and the research foundation established to support it. The stance is one of advocacy and fundraising, aiming to garner public awareness and financial contributions for the advancement of research in areas related to aiding the blind and broader scientific, educational, and religious endeavors.