Saucers, Space & Science - No 15

Magazine Overview

Title: BAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE
Issue: 15
Volume: May
Date: May 1960
Publisher: Gene Duplantier
Country: Canada

This issue of "BAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE" delves into the burgeoning field of UFO phenomena, featuring a sensational Austrian UFO photograph, official government responses, and various witness accounts from around the globe.

Austrian UFO Photo 'Real'

The cover story highlights a photograph published by the Vienna newspaper "WIENER KONTAG" on March 7, 1960, identified as a real flying saucer. The article details the experience of Edgar Schedelbauer, a reporter and staff technician, who witnessed a mysterious white-glowing object on the night of March 1st to March 2nd, 1960, at 1:30 am. near Leibnitz, Austria. Schedelbauer described the object as a "fiery spider" that hovered at a height of approximately fifteen meters (45 feet), emitted heat, and then moved away with a sound like a roaring jet engine. The photograph was examined by photography experts who found no traces of trick photography. Schedelbauer insisted he did not experience hallucinations and reported reddish spots on his face and hands for three days afterward, which he attributed to the object's heat.

Expert Opinions on the Austrian Sighting

To verify the report, the "Montag" newspaper subjected Schedelbauer to a thorough examination. The magazine also sought opinions from various specialists. Professor Dr. Ing. Eugen Saenger, a renowned rocket scientist and Vice-president of the International Federation of Space Science, expressed skepticism, stating he would need to see the photograph but believed it was likely "nonsense" and that no such human-made construction was known. The Institute of Meteorological and Geodynamics on the Hohe Warte, represented by meteorologist Dr. Hans Schupfer, concluded it could not be a meteorological instrument or a fireball, noting the weather conditions were foggy with low-hanging clouds. Dr. Socher, an astronomer at the Vienna University Observatory, suggested examining the camera and film to determine sharpness and distance, stating it was neither a fireball nor a meteor. Minister Graf reported no official airforce ground observer corps reports.

Air Force Admits UFOs are Serious Business

A significant report details a new directive from the US Air Force, issued on December 24th, 1959, and revealed on February 27, 1960. This directive instructs commands to treat UFO sightings as "serious business directly related to the nation's defense." The Air Force's concern is threefold: potential threat to national defense, contribution to technical or scientific knowledge, and explaining sightings to the public. The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) revealed the directive, accusing the Air Force of public deception while privately acknowledging the seriousness of UFO reports. Vice Adm. R.H. Hillenkoetter, a NICAP board member and former CIA director, called for open congressional hearings on the matter. The Air Force had investigated 6,312 UFO reports since 1947, and a recent statement indicated no physical evidence had ever been found, yet "behind the scenes, high-ranking A.F. officers are soberly concerned." The directive also outlined procedures for investigating officers, equipping them with Geiger counters, cameras, and other tools.

Global UFO Sightings and Related Reports

The issue includes a compilation of "BRIEF BITS" detailing numerous UFO sightings from January to March 1960 across various locations, including Jackson (Michigan), Durban (South Africa), Winnipeg (Manitoba), Crosby (Minnesota), Albuquerque (New Mexico), Salt Lake City (Utah), Washington D.C., British Columbia, Weyburn (Saskatchewan), Anchorage (Alaska), Unalakleet (Alaska), Newburgh (New York), Centre Line (Ontario), Orangeville (Ontario), Tokyo (Japan), Edmonton (Alberta), Juneau (Alaska), Malton (Ontario), Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), and Ecuador. These reports describe objects of various shapes, colors, and behaviors, including cones, blue-green objects, fireballs, and streams of lights.

Canadian Sightings and Theories

In Sarnia, Ontario, five witnesses reported seeing mysterious circular objects emitting white light and "whirling dynamo" sounds on February 22, 1960. The objects hovered and then disappeared. The issue also features an interview with Howard Henger on the "Long John" TV show, where he discussed his book "From Outer Space to You" and the possibility of people being hypnotized into believing they had encountered flying saucers. He mentioned a film showing UFOs that might be a hoax. The interview also touched upon his wife's background and his evasiveness on certain questions.

Scientific and Speculative Theories

Professor Hermann Oberth, an Austrian theorist, believes in the existence of "flying saucers" as messengers from outer space. The magazine also explores theories about life on Mars, citing Russian scientists who suggest that some Earthlings might be descendants of Martian travelers. Professor William McCallion of McMaster University discusses the possibility of Mars having been populated and that its moons, Phobos and Deimos, might be artificial. The article "LIFE ON MARS?" by Ronald W.J. Anstee further elaborates on the possibility of intelligent life on Mars, referencing observations of artificial moons, explosions, canals, and strange lights on the planet. The issue also touches upon ancient astronaut theories, linking the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to nuclear flames from planetary visitors and suggesting similar interventions for the downfall of Mayan civilization and Atlantis.

Other Notable Content

Ronald Anstee of Montreal asserts he has not been silenced, refuting a tabloid report about intelligence men trying to hush up his UFO revelations. The issue also mentions the merger of "UFOLOGY BULLETIN" and "UFORUM" to create "THE AUSTRALIAN FLYING SAUCER REVIEW." A brief note mentions a new USAF photography technique producing maps of the moon showing its surface is less rugged than Earth's.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing official acknowledgment of UFO phenomena, the detailed reporting of sightings with witness testimonies, and the exploration of scientific and speculative theories about extraterrestrial life and technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting, encouraging readers to share their own sightings and providing a platform for diverse viewpoints, from skeptical scientific opinions to more speculative theories about ancient astronauts and Martian origins of humanity. The magazine aims to present information that challenges conventional explanations and encourages critical thinking about the unknown.