Saucers, Space & Science - No 17

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE
Issue: Number 17
Date: October, 1960
Publisher: FULCRUM PRODUCTIONS
Editor: Gene Duplantier

This issue of 'Saucers, Space & Science' delves into various UFO phenomena, featuring eyewitness accounts, analyses, and reports on governmental and scientific investigations. The magazine aims to explore the mysteries surrounding unidentified flying objects and related topics.

SAULT FILM SHOWS UFO

This article, special to the magazine and written by Norman R. Ouellette of the SAWCER OBSERVATION CLUB, details an incident in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, during the last week of June 1960. Six jets were observed flying in formation when a swift object appeared between them, reportedly breaking the sound barrier. Mrs. Arthur Kunkel, a resident, filmed the event with her 8mm Kodak Brownie movie camera. While attempting to capture the jets' smoke trails, she inadvertently included an unknown flying object. Upon developing the film, she observed a large, bright yellow disc-shaped craft. The SAWCER OBSERVATION CLUB verified that the craft had hidden itself in the sun. Mr. Ouellette, director of the club, stated that the film proves the existence of flying saucers and provided contact information for those interested in purchasing snapshots of the film.

THE VANISHING ACT

Written by Wilbur B. Smith, this article discusses the perplexing phenomenon of flying saucers suddenly vanishing or appearing. While acknowledging the reality of the phenomenon, the author expresses perplexity regarding satisfactory explanations. Theories are presented, including Meade Layne's suggestion of materialization and de-materialization from other dimensions, though the author notes our inadequate understanding of such processes. Cramp and Michel's suggestion of high speed and rapid accelerations is also considered, but difficulties with energy expenditure and equipment are noted. The author leans towards the idea of 'skill' rather than brute force, drawing parallels to stage magic. The concept of 'Time' as a variable quantity, controllable and capable of bending light, is proposed as a potential explanation for vanishing tricks, akin to how mirrors and lighting are used in illusions. The article concludes by mentioning George Adamski's contacts with Venusians and an offer for information.

SHAPED LIKE FOOTBALL -- NOISELESS

This report, credited to The Phoenix Gazette and other sources, details a sighting in Red Bluff, California. Two highway patrolmen, Stanley Scott and Charles A. Carson, reported seeing a mysterious football-shaped object with a red glow, sometimes hovering 200 feet off the ground. At least eight other persons also reported spotting the object, described as the size of an airliner. The object was seen to have a row of horizontal lights and something that made a red beam sweeping the ground. It then shot noiselessly up and began to slide across the sky. The patrolmen pursued it for about two hours, during which time the object performed various maneuvers. Three deputy sheriffs also witnessed the object. During the pursuit, the patrolmen's radio experienced static, presumably caused by the flying object. The night jailer and four prisoners also saw the object. While the patrolmen did not identify it as a 'flying saucer,' their boss, Capt. Ruel Blohm, confirmed they saw it. The article also mentions that the McCord Air Force Base was investigating the story.

'SAUCERS' THERE AGAIN--SEEN BY TWENTY

This article, from Tehama County, reports on a repeat performance of strange flying objects on August 15, 1960, over Mineral, California. A group of at least 20 people witnessed the objects, described as flying in a loose formation, glowing red and white, and moving at 'unbelievable speed' without making a sound. Deputy Bill Gonzales and Deputy A.D. Perry, who were staking out a roadblock, observed the objects. Perry cryptically stated, 'This is something over our heads,' while Gonzales believed they were 'saucer-like.' The article notes that no written reports were filed, but the Tehama County Sheriff's office considered starting a file. Ruel Blohm, from the McCord Air Force Base, stated that the case was closed, especially since the object did not violate highway laws.

THE BELLS CORNERS MYSTERY

Authored by W. B. Smith and J.R. Buchanan, this piece recounts an event in Bells Corners, near Ottawa, Canada. On August 18, 1958, Mrs. Couturier observed a patch of bluish light in her yard. Investigating, she saw what appeared to be a small person lying face down, with a round head, short blonde hair, and large, jewel-like eyes. Her son, who was also present, was terrified. The light disappeared when Mrs. Couturier returned to the house. The story was met with disbelief until Mrs. Couturier phoned a local TV station in February 1960. An investigation on May 1st confirmed an irregular area of dead grass where the being was seen, and small, sideways footprints were noted in the snow from the previous March. The article also mentions a separate incident in Ottawa West where a car radio played music, the car stalled, and the driver saw a silvery disc, 8" in diameter, about 15 feet away, which then disappeared.

FLYING SAUCERS OVER SAULT VISITORS FROM OUTER SPACE?

This article discusses the 'Flying Saucer Club' in Sault Ste. Marie, started in 1959 by young men, with director Norman Ouellette. The club has investigated several unexplained sightings in the Sault area. They found that neither the U.S. Air Force nor the meteorological station had any knowledge of these objects. The club is careful to verify reports and plans to publish a new 'saucerzine.'

SKY OBJECT MYSTIFIES SALT LAKERS

Reported by The Salt Lake Tribune, this incident describes an unidentified object trailing luminous vapor seen in the western sky on a Monday night in August 1960. Callers reported the object appeared about 9:50 pm and was visible for several minutes. Law enforcement, weather bureaus, and the municipal airport reported nothing unusual. Theories included meteor, high-flying aircraft, or a weather balloon.

FLYING OBJECTS' CONCERN SENATORS

This report from Washington (UPI) details that Senate investigators, under Democratic leader Lyndon B. Johnson, were ordered to 'keep close watch' on major UFO developments. Johnson also requested a report from the Senate Preparedness Subcommittee on significant sightings and Air Force analyses. The article mentions Donald E. Keyhoe, head of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena, who accused the Air Force of suppressing UFO information. Keyhoe's committee concluded that UFOs reported by military and airline pilots were 'unknown devices, under intelligent control.' The report also notes concerns that unrecognized UFOs could trigger an accidental war with Russia, citing warnings from French General L.M. Chassin.

NEW SAUCER BOOK TO BE PUBLISHED

This brief note announces the upcoming publication of 'Flying Saucers & the U.S. Air Force' by Major Lawrence J. Tacker, which refutes claims that the Air Force has suppressed UFO information.

ECHO I...AND FRIENDS

This article investigates a white object, larger than a star, sighted in the south-southwest sky over London, Ontario, on August 17, 1960. The University of Toronto's Dunlap Observatory confirmed it was not the U.S. Echo I space satellite. Professor Gordon R. Magee described it as a 'man-made object' that moved slower and more to the east than expected. C.S. Clouthier, an amateur astronomer, observed it arching for six minutes and veering east. Dunlap scientists conceded something was in orbit but could not identify it. The article also mentions sightings of similar objects in other locations, including Long Island and Chicago, often with a reddish or pale, silvery white appearance. The object's trajectory was noted as west to east, contrary to typical satellite paths. Robert I. Johnson of the Adler Planetarium and Steven Urbano also reported sightings. James Maney and friends made multiple sightings that ruled out a satellite. Toronto satellite watchers also reported a point of light moving at twice the speed of Echo I. The editor and his wife observed an object moving west to east, disappearing quickly. Other objects were seen near Arcturus and moving in a southwest direction.

LIFE IN OTHER SOLAR SYSTEMS?

This article explores the possibility of life on planets beyond our solar system. It discusses the vast distances involved in observing exoplanets and the limitations of current telescopes. However, it notes that 'astronomy of the invisible' allows for the discovery of planets through their gravitational effects on stars, citing the prediction of Neptune. The article suggests that planetary systems are likely common around stars, with estimates indicating billions of planetary systems in our galaxy. It posits that many planets may have had sufficient time for life to develop.

RUSSIANS FIND NEW PLANET

A brief report from Moscow states that Russian astronomers have discovered a new planet, reportedly 'beyond Pluto and very small,' detected accidentally while photographing stars in the constellation Capricorn.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), eyewitness accounts, and the challenges in obtaining official explanations. There's a consistent thread of skepticism towards official denials and a belief that authorities may be withholding information. The magazine appears to champion the idea that UFOs are real and warrant serious investigation, often highlighting the efforts of civilian UFO research groups. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these mysteries, encouraging readers to share their own experiences and supporting the idea that these phenomena are not easily dismissed.