Saucers, Space & Science - No 32

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE
Issue: Number 32
Date: September 1963
Publisher: Not specified
Country: Canada
Language: English

This issue of SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE delves into a variety of topics related to UFO phenomena, space exploration, and theological considerations arising from scientific advancements. The magazine features reports on sightings, scientific proposals, and philosophical discussions.

Expedition to Magdalena, New Mexico

The issue details an expedition to a cave near Magdalena, New Mexico, in early June 1963. Led by Dr. R.L. Dobbins and five other men, the group aimed to discover the source of flying saucers reportedly emanating from the cave. A previous expedition had been unsuccessful, with members experiencing unsettling physical sensations. The report mentions the possibility of the cave being a 'lair of the feared Dero.' Dr. Dobbins expressed apprehension about the expedition's outcome, writing, "If any of the members do not survive, I would not be able to write about it from deep regret." The expedition faced significant difficulties, including mechanical failures and members falling ill, suggesting an unseen force interfering with their efforts. Ultimately, the exploration was unsuccessful, with the 'unseen force' having intervened.

UFO Sightings Across North America

The magazine compiles numerous UFO sighting reports from various locations:

• Thamesville, Ontario, Canada (October 1, 1962): Residents reported a silver ball-shaped object visible until midnight.
• Buffalo, New York (April 4, 1963): A rumbling, explosive sound was heard, with no jets reported in the air.
• Tonawanda, New York (May 7, 1963): A softball-sized ball of blue ice reportedly fell from outer space.
• Cincinnati, Ohio (June 8, 1963): Two reports described a bright white light traveling from south to north at high altitude.
• Cleveland, Ohio (March 7, 1963): A triangular piece of cast iron reportedly created a hole in a house roof and inner wall.
• Lake Michigan (April 22, 1963): A glowing white ball of flame, possibly a meteor, was sighted.
• Melrose Park, Illinois (April 29, 1963): A mysterious explosion cracked windows and created a hole in the ground.
• Toronto, Ontario, Canada (June 17, 1963): Reports of two UFOs high over the city, one possibly an Echo satellite.
• The Gatineau, Quebec, Canada (June 10, 1963): A small, oblong, fiery object was sighted traveling slowly, emitting a short fiery trail.

Unusual Cloud Formation

A photograph captioned "UNUSUAL CLOUD FORMATION" is presented, described as the most extraordinary ever photographed. It appeared over Flagstaff, Arizona, on February 28, at an altitude of 140,000 feet, with experts unable to explain its existence.

Space Theology

The article "MISSIONARIES TO MARS?" explores the theological implications of space exploration. It raises profound questions about the relationship of intelligent extraterrestrial beings to God, their potential need for redemption, and the possibility of divine incarnations on other worlds. Dr. Geddes MacGregor suggests that God might have provided saviors for other planets, similar to Christ on Earth, stating, "We have certainly no reason to suppose we have a monopoly of divine redemption." Clergymen from Toronto offer varied perspectives, with some finding the speculations interesting but puzzling, while others emphasize the universality of Christ's redemption.

The Remade Planet Mars

An article by M. Douglas posits that Mars has been deliberately 'remade' by an intelligence to suit specific environmental requirements. It suggests that future Mars probes will confirm this. The author argues that phenomena such as the 'twinning' of Martian canals and the behavior of one of Mars's moons, which appears artificial and exhibits unusual orbital velocity, point to deliberate control. The article critiques ufology for not fully considering all aspects of UFO phenomena and Martian data, suggesting that agencies have done more than merely collect reports.

Stardust and Human Purpose

Sungma Tenzing Lama's article "STARDUST" proposes that humans are essentially 'stardust' and that their purpose may involve creating new matter. It suggests that extraterrestrial beings, referred to as 'Spoilers' or 'Space Pirates,' may be harvesting this 'stardust' from Earth for their own purposes, potentially leading to the planet's eventual destruction.

The Tide Has Turned: Church and Space

Ronald W.J. Anstee's article "THE TIDE HAS TURNED" discusses the historical shift in the church's acceptance of the Copernican model of the universe. Initially resistant to the idea that Earth was not the center, the church eventually had to accept scientific evidence. However, with the advent of rocket experiments, the church is now expressing concern about 'invading God's domain' and man's place in the cosmos. The article notes that unusual aerial phenomena have been observed for millennia, suggesting a long-standing interest from higher intelligences.

Books and Movies

Books

• AGHARTA by Dr. Robert Ernst Dickhoff: Reviewed as a book available in serial form, it poses ten questions about war, peace, and the nature of 'Outsiders,' offering a unique perspective on humanity's situation.

Movies

• BATTLE BEYOND THE SUN: Previously reviewed as "THE HEAVENS CALL," this color space picture is praised for its sets and space shots.
• ICARUS MONTGOLFIER WRIGHT: A movie short featuring 180 stills of paintings depicting a space tale.

40,000,000 Pound Rocket Proposed

Dr. I. M. Levitt discusses Robert C. Truax's proposal for the "Sea Dragon," a massive, reusable two-stage rocket designed to significantly increase orbital payload capacity. The vehicle, intended to be handled like a ship and launched from the ocean, aims to reduce the cost of space exploration and enable ambitious missions to the moon and beyond. The design emphasizes simplicity and reusability, with the potential for stages to be used up to 100 times.

Headliners

This section provides brief news items:

• A ray gun capable of cutting down trees was discussed in Victoria, B.C.
• Three tons of rock from northern Quebec, found during meteorite crater studies, will be analyzed for aiding future spacemen.
• Canadian rockets are scheduled for launch from Fort Churchill, Manitoba.
• A lightning bolt reportedly made a 90-degree turn through a house in Chilliwack, B.C.
• Pacific Naval Lab scientists are exploring Arctic undersea sounds.
• A special excursion train observed the solar eclipse in Ontario.
• A sensitive American satellite can reportedly tap Russian telephone messages.
• Fragments of a meteorite were found in the Peace River district, Alberta.
• The earth-landing system for the Apollo spacecraft was tested.
• Dr. Sidney Schwartz developed edible construction material for spaceships.
• The U.S. space agency plans to test life support systems in sealed capsules.
• Dr. Van de Kamp discovered a planet outside our solar system, named Barnard's Star B.
• Soviet scientists have plans for a solar power station on the moon.
• A UFO was sighted over Westlake, Ohio, by Robert Alimo and his fiancée.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science fiction, unexplained phenomena, and speculative science. There is a clear interest in UFOs, extraterrestrial intelligence, and the potential for advanced civilizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding. The articles often challenge established scientific and religious paradigms, advocating for a broader perspective on humanity's place in the universe and the potential for future space endeavors. The recurring theme of 'intelligence' operating beyond human comprehension is evident across multiple articles, whether discussing UFOs, Mars, or theological questions about extraterrestrial life.

This issue, titled "Can We Communicate With Distant Planets?", presents a scientific perspective on the future of interstellar communication. The main article, authored by Dan Q. Posin, a professor of physics, explores the challenges and possibilities of establishing contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. The issue also includes an advertisement for a book on UFOs.

Main Article: Can We Communicate With Distant Planets?

The article begins by stating that humanity is on the threshold of a significant breakthrough in space, preparing for two-way exchanges with potential inhabitants of other solar systems within a few Earth years. Posin addresses the common question of why aliens don't visit us, suggesting that if beings on other planets are capable of interstellar travel, they would likely try to communicate first.

The Challenges of Distance and Technology

Posin highlights the vast distances involved in space communication. While planets within our own solar system, like Mars (34 million miles away) and Venus (26 million miles away), are relatively close, reaching other stars is a monumental task. Pluto is about 3.6 billion miles away, but the nearest other star is approximately 25 trillion miles distant. This ratio is about 7,000 to 1, making it difficult to even draw a scale model of our solar system with its nearest star.

Transmitting television images across such distances is presented as a far more difficult endeavor than sending simple radio signals. While radio signals have been sent to Mars and Venus, sending TV broadcasts would require advanced relay satellites, such as a hypothetical "Heliodyne," capable of broadcasting not only within a solar system but also between multiple solar systems.

The Search for Signals

Even now, Earth can receive simple radio signals from distant stars, dark space regions, and vast collections of stars up to 6 billion light-years away. The challenge lies in filtering out the "space static" produced by flaring stars, excited space gases, and colliding galaxies to focus on signals from a specific star system that might harbor intelligent life.

Project Ozma, an initial listening effort that lasted two months, is mentioned as an example of such a search, though it yielded no intelligent signals. The article suggests that other beings might have been attempting to communicate with us for millions or billions of years, and if they received no response, they would naturally look elsewhere.

Universal Language: Mathematical Pulses

Posin speculates on the nature of simple introductory signals that intelligent beings might send. He proposes that electrical pulses, rather than complex images, would be more efficient. He suggests that a sequence of pulses, such as one, then two, then three, or patterns like 3-4-5, 6-8-10, and 9-12-15, could be used. The 3-4-5 relationship of right-angle triangles, where the sum of the squares of the two smaller sides equals the square of the largest side (9 + 16 = 25), is presented as a fundamental mathematical concept that intelligent beings would likely understand and use to signal their presence.

The author expresses optimism that contact will eventually be made, stating, "We are searching space. We are listening, now." He notes that while Heinrich Hertz and Guglielmo Marconi pioneered radio communication on Earth, other civilizations may have possessed this capability for eons.

Advertisement: "The Shadow of the Unknown"

The third page contains an advertisement for a 125-page mimeographed book titled "The Shadow of the Unknown," published by The New Jersey Association on Aerial Phenomena. The book aims to answer questions about UFOs, such as where they come from, why they are here, how they are propelled, and the reasons for alleged USAF secrecy. The advertisement lists 11 chapters covering topics like basic evidence, intelligent control, physical evidence, USAF and foreign investigations, contact claims, UFO bases, UFOs on the Moon and Mars, UFO weapons, propulsion, and origination.

The book is scheduled for release in early September, priced at $1.50 in the USA and Canada, with a foreign edition available for $2.00. Orders are to be sent to Edward J. Babcock, Jr., Director, N.J.A.A.P., 15 Tyndall Road, Kendall Park, New Jersey, U.S.A.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the scientific exploration of extraterrestrial communication and the possibility of intelligent life beyond Earth. The editorial stance, as presented by Dan Q. Posin, is one of cautious optimism, emphasizing the vastness of space and the technological hurdles, while also highlighting the potential for discovery through continued listening and the use of universal mathematical principles. The inclusion of the UFO book advertisement suggests an editorial interest in related phenomena, particularly those involving alleged intelligent control and investigations.