Saucers, Space & Science - No 35

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE
Issue: SPRING Issue No. 35
Year: 1964
Editor: Gene Duplantier
Associate Editor: Gray Barker

This issue of "Saucers, Space & Science" is presented as a "MEMORIAL ISSUE TO PRES. JOHN F. KENNEDY." It delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, historical accounts, and space exploration, aiming to inform and engage readers interested in the unexplained.

Memorial to President John F. Kennedy

The issue begins with a dedication to President John F. Kennedy, featuring a photograph of him and a quote attributed to him reflecting on human progress and the potential of space exploration. The quote highlights the rapid advancements in technology and the ambition to reach the stars, particularly through America's spacecraft.

Was This a Spaceman's Visit in 1823?

This article presents an account from the editor's travels in the southern U.S. where he discovered a book detailing an unusual experience from September 1823. The narrative describes a luminous angelic messenger named Moroni appearing to a man. Moroni spoke of a divine mission, a book written on gold plates containing the history of the continent's inhabitants, and the Urim and Thummim stones used for translation. The account draws parallels to modern UFO encounters, noting the brilliant light, the messenger's appearance, and his ascension into heaven. The article explicitly links this to the Book of Mormon, stating that Joseph Smith sought the Lord and received divine manifestation, leading to the book's creation.

Space Movies

This section appears to be a brief mention of space-related films, though no specific details are provided in the OCR text.

Saucer Sightings

This section likely contains reports of flying saucer sightings, though specific details are not fully extracted from the provided OCR.

Ghost from Outer Space?

This article, dated January 18th, 1964 (from TODAY Magazine), investigates strange occurrences on the Kentish coast. It recounts the experience of John Flaxton and three companions who witnessed a reddish-yellow light descending from the sky and a bright golden oval light hovering in a field. They then observed a black, shambling figure described as bat-winged and headless. While the teenagers believed it was a ghost, the article questions if it could have been an extraterrestrial visitor. Flying saucer experts, including Mr. Charles Stickland and Mr. Waveney Girvan, suggest that some lights seen could be from flying saucers and that the "spaceman" might have been wearing spaceship equipment. The article also references Aime Michel's theory of men from space mapping the Earth, noting that Saltwood village lies on a charted flying saucer route.

Mapping the Moon

This section likely discusses efforts or findings related to mapping the Moon, possibly in the context of space exploration or potential extraterrestrial activity.

Creatures on Moon & Mars: Try Contact With Earth

Authored by Bert Groth, Science Editor for the National Informer (March 8, 1964), this article discusses observations and theories regarding potential extraterrestrial life and communication. It mentions flashing lights on the Moon and Mars, and a report of a mysterious light affecting a car's radio and headlights, which the Air Force attributed to Jupiter. The article notes that scientists are puzzled by these phenomena. It also references a preliminary design for a re-entry vehicle from Lockheed Missiles and Space Company for astronauts returning from Mars, capable of carrying six astronauts and withstanding extreme temperatures.

1933 Saucer Contact

This appears to be a reference to an early saucer contact case from 1933, though specific details are not elaborated in the provided OCR.

Object Said Small Meteorite

This short piece reports that L. A. Bayrock of the Alberta Research Council believes a flash seen over northeastern Alberta was likely a small meteorite. Reports from RCAF Station at Cold Lake described the object as about one-eighth the size of the sun, while another from Meadow Lake, Sask., described it as three-quarters the size of the moon. Other sightings were of objects that could not be identified as meteorites.

Any fireball spotters?

A National Research Council committee is seeking information on meteorites and fireballs, not flying saucers. They aim to combine observations over a 100-mile area to predict the probable landing zone for meteorites associated with fireballs. Dr. W. F. Slawson of UBC is the committee's representative in British Columbia.

Editorial

Gene Duplantier addresses readers, thanking those who sent photos for his saucer album and encouraging others to do so. He announces upcoming advertising in SS&S and explains that offset printing has increased costs, making advertiser support important. He invites readers with books, bulletins, or merchandise to inquire about advertising rates. Duplantier clarifies that advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the product or his personal views, and he aims to present all interesting stories. He also details a new system for informing subscribers about their subscription expiry via a number on the address label. The editorial mentions upcoming conventions and new columns, including "SPACE SPOTS" and a column by Gene Hurtienne titled "HERE'S HURTIENNE." Readers are invited to submit questions for this column. A 4-page brochure, "THE UFO THAT CHANGED MY LIFE TESTIMONY," is available for a small mailing cost. The editorial also lists contributors and mentions publications like "UFO International" and "Bob Renaud contact story."

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are included:

• Herb. D. Clark (Vancouver, B.C.) recalls a story from "Flying Saucer Farewell" by Adamski about an airshow where military personnel allegedly confiscated cameras when a mothership-shaped aircraft appeared. He also mentions a Russian Soblov 103 aircraft and a "remote control 'scanner'" observed at an airshow, with a photo capturing a wavy line that he attributes to a small object.
• Mrs. E. Shook (Victoria, B.C.) inquires about the meaning of "S.M." after Rev. Guy J. Cyr's name and asks about the Catholic and Protestant Churches' stance on UFOs.
• Mrs. M. Chalmers (Ridgetown, Ontario) asks if Gene Duplantier has received reports of UFO sightings near Chicago on January 26, 1964, describing a pulsating light and a bright, saucer-shaped object seen through binoculars.
• Ricky Hilberg (Cleveland, Ohio) criticizes the gullibility of some people in UFOlogy regarding the "Schaefer photo" and the "space animals" allegedly captured on infra-red film, suggesting these are simply blobs caused by improper film loading and handling. He humorously lists things he has "photographed" with a Polaroid camera, including a dog smoking a cigar and Donald Duck, questioning if these are also "space people."
• Rev. Guy J. Cyr (Lawrence, Mass.) states that there is more to the phenomenon of seeing faces when touching UFO photos than scientists suspect.

Here It Is Now...

This section advertises several publications:

• "EVERY DEVIL'S DICTIONARY" by James S. Rigberg, described as a complete satire filled with original ideas and definitions.
• CONTROVERSIAL PHENOMENA BULLETIN: Available for $.35 per copy or $2.00 per year (6 issues). The first issue was well-received, and back issues of Number 1 are still available.
• New Books from UFO Magazine Publications: Includes "The Riddle of Ufology" by Ricky Hilberg, "UFO Magazine Annual," and "Flying Saucers and Men." These are mimeographed and available for purchase.

Interplanetary News Service

This section promotes the Interplanetary News Service, an open-minded research group with a 35-page publication issued six times a year. It features articles by prominent names in the field and is available for $2.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the historical context of UFO sightings (e.g., the 1823 account), the potential for extraterrestrial life and communication (Moon and Mars observations), and the critical examination of evidence (e.g., the "Schaefer photo" critique). The editorial stance, as expressed by Gene Duplantier, is to present a wide variety of information and stories related to UFOs and related phenomena, encouraging readers to think critically and form their own conclusions. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of reader support through subscriptions and engagement with advertisers. There is a clear effort to connect contemporary UFO reports with historical accounts and to explore the scientific and speculative aspects of space exploration and potential alien contact.

Title: Flying Saucer News
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 1
Date: February 15, 1964
Publisher: Club of America
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Flying Saucer News delves into two primary areas: the critical importance of detailed lunar mapping for upcoming space missions and a collection of recent unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings. The cover story, "MAPPING THE MOON," highlights the U.S. Air Force's extensive project to create precise maps of the lunar surface, essential for the safety and success of future astronauts. The magazine also features a "Headliners" section summarizing various unusual news items, a "Movies" section listing science fiction films, and a "Conventions" section for UFO and science enthusiasts.

Mapping the Moon: A Crucial Endeavor

The lead article, "MAPPING THE MOON," emphasizes the necessity of detailed lunar maps for the first men to land on the moon. Due to the moon's smaller diameter and the resulting short horizon, astronauts could easily become disoriented and lose sight of their spacecraft. The article details a U.S. Air Force-backed project, initiated six years prior and accelerated in 1960, involving over 100 people at the aeronautical chart and mapping center in St. Louis, Missouri. The project's success is attributed to a British team led by Professor Zednik Kopal, a Czech-born American astronomer at Manchester University. His team utilizes photographs taken by British astronomers at the French observatory on the Pic du Midi, using a large telescope and a wide-film camera to capture thousands of images. Professor Kopal notes that while lunar maps are not new, with an example from Giovanni Domenico Cassini in 1684, his team's work provides unprecedented detail, resolving features down to one kilometer and mapping ridges as low as 200-300 meters. The maps are available to the public through a 144-sheet series from the U.S. government printing offices, costing between 25 cents and $1.50 per sheet. Information on the moon's dark side has been supplemented by Russian photographs from Lunik III in 1959, and Professor Kopal stresses the international cooperation in this field, sharing data with scientific colleagues worldwide, including Russia, with no security classification.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine extensively covers recent UFO reports, particularly focusing on incidents in New Mexico.

The Socorro Incident

A significant report details the experience of Socorro policeman Lonnie Zamora, who claims to have seen and entered an egg-shaped object on the desert near White Sands missile range. Zamora, described as a "very reliable witness" by Army Capt. Richard T. Holder, reported the object was about the height of a car, made of a shiny, aluminum-like substance, and rose silently into the air. Investigators, including Major William Connor and Sgt. David Moody, used a Geiger counter and found a burned bush and four small depressions, possibly from landing gear. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer and consultant to the Air Force, visited the site and found Zamora's story to be one of the "soundest, best substantiated reports." Hynek noted the lack of radar contacts as a puzzling factor, given New Mexico's extensive radar equipment. Dr. Lincoln LaPaz of the University of New Mexico also vouched for Zamora's dependability as an observer.

Other New Mexico Sightings

Following the Socorro incident, other reports emerged. A team of investigators from Kirtland Air Force Base, Washington D.C., and the FBI were expected to join State Police to investigate two more sightings over a weekend. Two men traveling near Espanola reported a flying object that swooped toward their car, leaving the ground smoldering 20 hours later, with paw-like footprints and depressions found. Orlando Gallegos reported seeing a bright metal, egg-shaped object with blue flame jets sitting on smoldering ground near La Madera. Capt. Martin Vigil confirmed the evidence of smoldering ground and depressions, noting similarities to the Socorro case.

Sightings Across the Country

Beyond New Mexico, the magazine reports on other UFO phenomena:

• Pennsylvania: A man claims he entered a saucer about 30 years ago, describing a bell-shaped object with a metallic exterior, emitting a faint light and an ammonia-like odor.
• Texas: Eight students at Crosby School in El Paso reported seeing a floating, egg-shaped "monster" about 6.5 feet tall, covered in something like a sheet.
• New Mexico: An Edgewood man fired shots at an oblong "thing" which he hit six times, and the object moved northward.
• New Mexico: A man reported seeing a large ball of red flames land near Las Vegas.
• Montana: The sheriff's office investigated marks on the ground described as a UFO, including four holes and a seared circular spot near Canyon Ferry Lake.

Books and Media Reviews

The issue also includes reviews of books related to flying saucers and space:

• "Flying Saucers on the Moon" by Riley Crabb: Discusses lunar phenomena, the "break-off" experienced by astronauts, and theories about interplanetary travel.
• "Flying Saucers & The Father's Plan" by Laura Mundo: Details the author's personal experiences as an interplanetary researcher, including saucer sightings and encounters.
• "Flying Saucers in the Bible" by Virginia Brasington: Interprets biblical passages as references to spacecraft, examining descriptions like "chariots of fire."

Additionally, a section on "Movies" lists upcoming science fiction films, and "Inter-Galaxy News Service" offers photographs for sale, including a "Transformation Photograph" and an "X-Rayed" view of God's Throne.

Space Spots!

This section provides a rapid-fire summary of various scientific discoveries and events:

• Discovery of nine objects emitting strong radio noise, one speeding away at 55% the speed of light.
• Construction of a large T-shaped aerial radio telescope by the Dominion Observatory.
• Canadian satellite "Alouette" indicating the dispersal of radiation from a Russian nuclear explosion.
• New evidence of toxic smog on Mars.
• A British scientist finding meteorite material resembling clays formed by water action on Earth.
• The potential discovery of a neutron star.
• NASA's plan to collect moon dust with Aerobee rockets.
• A bequest of $20,000 for the first earthman to talk with beings on other planets.
• Soviet scientists seeking a breakthrough in anti-matter.
• A wingless craft resembling a bathtub successfully flying.
• Dr. Karl Rakas observing a flash of light near the Ranger VI crash landing site.
• U.S. and Spain establishing a large space-tracking station near Madrid.
• NASA planning a space laboratory for 1968.
• The X-15 rocket plane reaching 5,300 mph.
• A conference discussing an "aerospace transporter."
• Boeing building a space research center.
• Yuri Gagarin announcing Russia's plan to launch a new manned spaceship.
• A navy pilot surviving a 1,000-foot fall with a parachute that wouldn't open.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the burgeoning field of space exploration, particularly the race to the moon, and the persistent public and scientific interest in UFO phenomena. The magazine presents UFO reports with a degree of seriousness, quoting experts and detailing witness accounts, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for further investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into both established scientific endeavors like lunar mapping and the more speculative realm of unidentified flying objects, encouraging readers to stay informed and form their own conclusions. The inclusion of book reviews and convention announcements suggests an effort to foster a community of interest around these topics.