Saucers, Space & Science - No 09

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE
Issue: Number 9
Date: March 1959
Editor: Gene Duplantier
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This issue of 'Saucers, Space & Science' covers a range of topics related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs), space exploration, and related phenomena, reflecting the growing public interest in the late 1950s.

Aerophysics and Satellite Re-entry

The lead article discusses the challenges of interplanetary travel, specifically safe re-entry into the atmosphere. It highlights the work of Professor Gordon N. Patterson at the Institute of Aerophysics, University of Toronto. His lab is conducting tests that could lead to controlling the intense heat generated by air friction around a satellite. The research explores using magnetic fields to deflect the superheated gases and potentially slow down the satellite, reducing heat buildup.

British Flying Saucer Development

Britain is reported to be far along in developing a secret flying saucer project, potentially leading to the world's first such vehicle for "magic carpet" travel. The National Research Development Corp. is involved, and the project is seen as a significant step in aerospace technology.

UK Panic Over TV Drama

A dramatization on a UK independent commercial network, titled "Before the Sun Goes Down," caused widespread panic when viewers mistook a fictional space ship for a real threat hovering over London. The broadcast led to numerous calls to authorities, with some viewers fainting and others rushing to pubs for comfort. The network later apologized for the alarm caused.

Pilot's Sighting of 'Little Gold Men'

An eyewitness account from L. Robinson of Troy, N.Y., details an encounter off Route 66. The witness saw a semi-round object and then three men dressed in gold cloth who communicated with him for three hours. They explained they were from Earth's visitors and discussed the planet's issues before departing in a blinding flash of light.

Russian Jet 'Saucer' Plans

According to Jane's All The Worlds Aircraft, Russia is planning to build a jet-powered "flying saucer" with a cup-shaped cockpit. A glider model was reportedly tested, demonstrating extreme maneuverability. This report is linked to earlier claims of tourists seeing large circular craft over the sub-arctic.

Psychiatrist's View on UFO Sightings

Dr. Addison M. Duval, deputy director of Washington's St. Elizabeths Hospital, suggests that the decline in UFO sightings might be due to increased competition from real space achievements like satellites and rockets. He posits that seeing things that don't exist can be a result of anxiety and that shared delusions tend to go out of style.

The Haunted Decade and Contact Literature

Arthur V. Sampsel begins a series on the "haunted decade," starting with Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. He discusses the wide range of reactions to UFOs and the emergence of "contactees" who claim to communicate with alien entities. The central theme in this contact literature is that these beings aim to save humanity from self-destruction and advocate for global cooperation to control nuclear weapons. Sampsel notes that these beings claim to be on a divine mission to elevate humanity.

George King and The Aetherius Society

George King, leader of The Aetherius Society, claims to have made multiple trips to the moon, Mars, Venus, and Jupiter without leaving his body. He describes himself as a "primary terrestrial mental channel" and a liaison officer between humans and Martians and Venusians. The society, with thousands of members globally, receives messages from space, often warning Earth about its ways and advocating for peace.

Henry Kramkowski, the society's representative in Ontario, echoes these beliefs, suggesting that historical figures like Moses might have been extraterrestrial visitors. He emphasizes the society's message of planetary cooperation and the need for Earth to mend its ways.

Pilots Criticize Air Force Secrecy

A group of over 50 experienced commercial airline pilots have publicly criticized the U.S. Air Force's policy on UFOs as "ridiculous" and bordering on "absolute ridiculous." The pilots, many of whom have personally sighted UFOs, express frustration with the Air Force's methods of interrogation, dismissal of evidence, and tendency to label sightings as misidentifications or hallucinations. They feel valuable information is lost due to this secrecy and the fear of ridicule or professional repercussions.

Mystery Sky Objects Trail Airliner

Al Leaderman reports on an incident where 35 passengers and crew aboard an American Airlines DC-6 witnessed three illuminated "flying saucers" escorting their plane for 45 minutes. Captain Peter Killian, a 15-year veteran pilot, confirmed the sighting, as did two other American Airlines pilots flying in the vicinity. The objects maintained formation with the plane, exhibiting unusual movements and light intensity.

Other Reports and Publications

Briefly mentioned are reports of a "flaming bluish object" over Michigan, a farmer blaming radioactive fallout for striped cows in Wales, and the launch of new UFO investigation bureaus and publications like 'JEXI-S' and 'The UFO JOURNAL.' A new flying saucer chart is also advertised.

Mystery Explosion Rocks Coonsville

A series of mysterious explosions rocked a dozen houses in Coonsville, with the source of the blasts undetermined by police. Neither a fireworks company nor the local airport could account for the event.

Red Globe Sighting in BC

In Aldergrove, British Columbia, a woman reported seeing a mysterious red globe hovering near the ground before it moved off toward Vancouver. Other reports of bright objects or flashes in the southeastern sky were also received.

How Much Proof Do We Need?

DeWitt Lee of the Interplanetary Ship Sightings Research Assoc. argues that the extensive evidence of UFOs, including hundreds of eyewitness reports from credible individuals and corroborated radar tracking, cannot be dismissed as mere hallucinations. He challenges skeptics to explain why these "space visitors" are here and suggests that acknowledging their existence might threaten the job security of "experts" who debunk UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFOs and potential extraterrestrial contact as serious subjects worthy of investigation. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that governments may be withholding information. The editorial stance appears to favor the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial intelligence visiting Earth, with a focus on the potential implications for humanity, both positive (guidance, salvation) and negative (threats, secrecy). The publication actively solicits reports and clippings from readers, indicating a community-driven approach to gathering information on the phenomenon.