Saucers, Space & Science - No 21

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCERS SPACE & SCIENCE
Issue: 21
Volume/Date: August 1961
Publisher: Gene Duplantier
Country: Canada

This issue of "Saucers Space & Science" delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a prominent focus on the speculation surrounding a U.S. satellite's disintegration and its potential connection to observed aerial events.

Object Sparks Speculation!

The lead story reports on the disintegration of a U.S. satellite, Discoverer 19, on Sunday, January 22, 1961. This event, announced by the U.S. Air Force Space Surveillance Control Centre at Bedford, Mass., stirred speculation that a 'meteorite' flashing across Alberta skies that evening was a piece of the satellite plunging to Earth. The satellite had completed approximately 525 circuits of the Earth. At the time, the U.S. was reported to have 15 satellites orbiting Earth, while Russia had one.

Dozens of Calgarians reported seeing what they believed to be a meteorite flash across the sky. Descriptions varied widely. A meteor was reported to have landed in Montana. As reports came in on Monday, it became clear that more than one object had come down. The Herald's correspondent at Milo, Alberta, reported that two objects fell within a few miles of each other near Milo on Sunday evening. One piece narrowly missed a car driven by a 16-year-old boy.

Bruce Horrin, of Cluny, described a glowing object flashing in front of his car as he drove from Milo to Cluny, an incident that occurred 84 miles east of Milo. He stated, "I was never so scared in my life."

Meteorites are also compounded of metal.

Further details emerged regarding the objects seen near Milo and Kajorville. Horrin's object reportedly landed in a field about a quarter of a mile from the road, inside a nearby Indian reserve. He estimated the object measured about two feet around and emitted large quantities of flame. His father reported he was badly shaken.

The second unidentified object fell six miles east of Kajorville, 20 miles from the first landing site. Fred Bertschy observed a large piece come straight down from the sky, with smaller pieces falling near a power line two miles farther west. Bertschy described the larger object as appearing as big as an aeroplane, initially thinking its wings were falling off, and noted a "lot of flame."

Neither site had been investigated due to the rough terrain, with horseback being the only feasible way to access them. A Calgary geologist, Alan McGugan, theorized that at least two meteorites were involved. He reported seeing a bright green incandescent object with a distinctive "tail" flash low across the sky above Pigeon Mountain.

Meanwhile, a search of three square miles in the Cluny area by a team from the Royal Astronomical Society, headed by Eldon Rogers, turned up no physical evidence. The team concluded the objects must have been metallic, similar to meteorites.

Flying Object Hovers One Hour Over U.K.

In Exeter, England, a mysterious "flying object" reportedly hovered in one spot for over an hour. Local airport officials stated they did not know what it was, noting it was seen on radar and had been under observation. They estimated it was "pretty big" and appeared to be shining brightly at an altitude of about 50,000 feet.

A similar object was reported over Scotland Sunday night by hundreds of people.

Fiery Object Seen Over Texas

In Tyler, Texas, residents reported seeing a long flaming object in the sky and hearing an explosion shortly after it vanished. The object was seen over several towns, described as a "long flaming object, bright yellow flames in the front part and orange flames in the back falling in the sky." It was visible for only a few seconds, followed by a blast. Authorities had not discovered where it fell, but the control tower at Tyler's airport indicated it fell too slowly to be a meteor.

Morality, Like Charity, Begins at Home

Leslie Smith's column discusses the belief among some saucer fans that superior beings from distant planets would improve humanity. Smith questions this, drawing parallels to Jesus' teachings and suggesting that true progress comes from within. He argues against the idea that aliens would automatically instill wisdom and understanding, highlighting the potential for prejudice based on preconceived notions of appearance. The column concludes with the analogy of cleaning one's own house before expecting external help.

Report from Washington

Rep. Overton Brooks, D-La., Chairman of the House Space Committee, designated Rep. Joseph S. Karth, D-Tenn., to investigate unidentified flying objects. The Air Force has consistently maintained that UFOs are balloons, meteors, or jet planes, a stance often contradicted by airline pilots.

A Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) constable reported a brilliant blue light in the sky for 30 seconds, followed by a loud explosion, seen in various locations in British Columbia. An RCMP plane investigated a report of a flash and explosion near Bowen Island but found nothing. Reports indicated the flash occurred between 3,000 and 5,000 feet. Explanations were sought from the RCAF and NORAD, but no cause was suggested.

Mysterious Flashes Over Wide B.C. Area

This section reiterates the report of mysterious flashes and explosions over British Columbia, with phenomena reported from the interior and Howe Sound.

Flying Saucer in Secret Trials

Bill Hanrahan reports on a flying saucer tested in secret at Mount Hope Airport before senior navy and air force officers. Eye-witnesses described the craft hovering from six inches to five feet above the ground. Measuring about 20 feet in length, it resembled a bowler hat with a tail fin and had a cabin for five or six persons. The "saucerocraft" was towed in under police escort, with officers told it was a boat. It was reportedly designed and built by Lieut. Commander Adrien Phillips for commercial use. During tests, it broke a drive shaft and was taken for repairs. The craft is made of white fibre-glass and reportedly driven by a souped-up automobile engine, using rotating turbines to create an air cushion. Experiments on flying saucers had been underway at AVRO Aircraft in Toronto for several years.

Elijah--First Man in Space Says Gaglardi

Highways Minister P.A. Gaglardi stated that Elijah was the first man in space, having ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire.

Saucers a Hoax, A.F. Colonel Says

Lt. Col. Lawrence J. Tacker of the Air Force stated that flying saucers are a hoax and that there is no scientific evidence to support claims of spaceships visiting Earth's atmosphere. This was presented to the Aero Club of Buffalo.

Russian Scientist's Remark

A Russian scientist in charge of a Venus-bound spaceship launch was met with the question of what he would do upon returning home. He replied, "I'm going to make love to my wife," and when asked for the second thing, "I'm going to take off my skis!"

It's Flying Saucer Cake

Joe Simonton of Eagle River, Wisconsin, reported that three men landed in his yard in a flying saucer and gave him three pieces of "flying saucer cake." The saucer was described as about 12 feet from top to bottom and 30 feet in diameter, made of gleaming silver. The men were short, wore black uniforms, and looked Italian. The ship stayed for about five minutes before flying off at a 45-degree angle.

UFO Convinces Editor

Bob Ennis, Managing Editor of the Fort Pierce News Tribune, recounts his experience of witnessing a mysterious orange light moving swiftly through the sky for two hours. Initially skeptical, he became a believer, describing the light changing to a pinpoint of intense brilliance and hanging suspended before winking out. He saw it three times later in the evening.

UFO Sighted in Air Over Waynesville

A "blue-black ring of smoke" with a "ball of fire swinging around the outside" was seen over Waynesville, North Carolina, by Mrs. Howard Carnes and Mrs. Richard Campbell. It appeared to be at about one or two thousand feet.

A.F. Checking Out More 'UFO' Objects

The Air Force is investigating two UFO sightings by Ernie Stadveo, owner-operator of Stadvec Aviation in Akron, Ohio. Stadveo reported seeing a greenish object that moved erratically, coming down and then speeding off to the northwest. He noted it happened on two consecutive nights.

Was It a Flying Saucer?

This section presents notes from the Daily Log Book of the Polish steamship "HUGO KOLLATAJ." On November 24, 1959, sailors observed a shining spot in the sky that moved with great speed, halted, remained stationary, and then vanished. The object had a rounded top and flat bottom and its speed and change of direction were unlike any known earthly objects. This sighting lasted about six minutes. Information about a similar sighting was received from the steamship "CARINALDO" and other ships.

"Strange Satellite" Watched May 20/61

Satellite tracking stations were asked to help track a "suspected, unpredicted bright satellite" spotted near Jupiter, Florida. George Voron of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory stated that while many satellites and rocket bodies orbit Earth, occasionally one is picked up that doesn't match known orbits. Scientists had no reason to believe it was anything new or mysterious.

'Help!' That's What To Say to Martian If You Meet One

Dr. Harlow Shapley, Harvard Astronomer, suggested "Help!" as the first message to send to extraterrestrial beings. At a symposium, he also stated that humanity might do better solving Earth's problems, like population increase, before tackling space exploration. British historian Arnold J. Toynbee suggested asking aliens, "Have you done better than we here?"

Mystery Stone Breaks Two Windows

In Simcoe, Ontario, police are investigating how a stone crashed through two windows and a wall of a home. Constable Robert Woods estimated the thrower must have been at least 25 feet above ground level to achieve the straight trajectory.

Strange Celestial Phenomenon Was Observed in Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Mr. Lee Jones and eight workers observed a "dark red sphere" moving at high speed over Tegucigalpa. The object changed color from dark red to bright red, then dull yellow, and finally bright yellow, before moving in a cutting trajectory and disappearing. Jones, a former commercial pilot, estimated the speed at 2,000 miles per hour and was baffled by the object's behavior.

Wild War Tale Fact or Fiction?

A British publishing firm issued a "non-fiction" book claiming American intelligence agents prevented Soviet Premier Khrushchev from unleashing a secret "anti-matter" bomb attack on the U.S. on September 17, 1959. The book, "The Day Khrushchev Panicked," alleges that U.S. intelligence broke Soviet radio codes and forced Khrushchev to abandon his plans by threatening to sink the liner Baltika.

UFO Bazaar

This section contains classified ads for books related to UFOs, astronomy, and space, as well as requests for back issues of saucer publications. It also lists items for sale, including books and a telescope, and offers to swap or give away specific magazine issues.

Emperor Zan' in Plan to Take Over Planet

A 12-page booklet mailed from Los Angeles to The Ottawa Citizen describes "Zan," who claims to be the First Emperor Supreme of the Planet Earth. Zan calls for "oneness" and a movement to embrace the entire planet, stating, "Just be kind." He also prays for women to hold their own revolution. The ROMP (which monitors subversive organizations) is reportedly unaware of Zan's plans.

Scientist Suggests Life on Other Planet May Keep Us as Pets Protein Source

A report suggests that scientists agree there's a chance of life on nearby planets, and some believe humans could become "slaves" or a "protein source" for superior alien species, akin to how humans treat domestic animals.

Report Cloud Discovery

A Polish astronomer claims to have discovered two clouds of interplanetary stardust orbiting Earth.

From Gene Duplantier

A letter from Gene Duplantier to Lee Munsick of the UFO Newsletter, dated July 18, 1961, is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings from various locations, often presenting witness testimonies and official statements, including those from the Air Force that dismiss such sightings. There's a recurring theme of unexplained aerial phenomena, with a mix of skepticism and open-mindedness from the reporting. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these events and the public's fascination with them, while also acknowledging official explanations and alternative theories. The inclusion of articles on space exploration, scientific theories about extraterrestrial life, and even philosophical pieces like Leslie Smith's column, suggests a broad interest in the intersection of science, the unknown, and human understanding.