Saucers, Space & Science - No 38

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE
Issue: Number 38, Spring 1965
Publisher: Gene Duplantier, Editor
Location: Willowdale, Ontario, Canada

This issue of SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related scientific and anecdotal reports. It aims to provide information and perspectives on unidentified flying objects and the broader context of humanity's place in the cosmos.

Seven Exciting Days

The lead article, "Seven Exciting Days," focuses on the period of March 18-24, 1965, highlighting a confluence of significant events in space exploration, including the Russian walk in space, Mariner IV's journey to Mars, Ranger IX's lunar photography, and the Gemini III mission. Alongside these official achievements, the article emphasizes the activities of UFO expert George Adamski in Buffalo, New York, who gave lectures and presented films of alleged flying saucer sightings. Adamski's presentations included descriptions of UFO flight patterns such as right-angle turns and 'falling leaf' motion, and he discussed the vehicles' alacrity and atmospheric movement.

UFOs: Still With Us

This section, by Robert J. Childerhose of The Telegram, Toronto, addresses the persistence of UFO sightings since the 1950s. It notes that the U.S. Air Force officially states 98% of sightings are explainable, often attributing them to misidentifications of celestial bodies or aircraft. The article recounts instances where witnesses reported unusual objects, only to be given mundane explanations. It also touches upon the USAF's practice of impounding photographic and film evidence of UFOs, citing the case of Delbert C. Newhouse's film of 'shiny, perfectly disc-shaped objects' which was explained as 'sunlight shining on seagulls.' The issue of military secrecy surrounding UFO information is raised, leading to the formation of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) in 1956. NICAP challenges the government's dismissive stance, advocating for independent evaluation of UFO data.

Object Characteristics and Descriptions

The magazine details various descriptions of UFOs, with circular discs being the most common (over 50%), often described as 'much like two saucers face to face' or 'like two saucers pressed together.' Cigar or rocket-shaped UFOs account for about 10%, and triangular UFOs for 2%. Luminous bodies and 'sharply defined luminous objects' make up about 25% of reports. UFOs are noted to come in various sizes, from dishpan-size to ocean liner proportions, and exhibit a range of colors and light intensities. Their behavior is described as highly maneuverable, capable of sudden stops, hovering, and rapid changes in direction, often defying known laws of physics. While some UFOs emit humming or whistling sounds, the predominant impression is silence. The article also notes their ability to travel at incredible speeds, with some tracked at 3,600 mph and others at 17,000 mph. Effects on electrical circuits, such as stalling car and airplane motors and blocking radios, are also mentioned.

Historical Sightings and Military Encounters

During World War II, both Allied and German bomber crews reported 'Foo Fighters,' small, brightly colored discs that flew alongside their aircraft. These were considered secret weapons at the time. The 'Flying Saucer Era' is considered to have begun in 1947 with the appearance of brightly lit circular objects in the northwestern U.S.A. The USAF officially acknowledged 1,501 sightings in 1952, though NICAP investigations suggest a much larger total. The article recounts incidents where USAF interceptors were scrambled to investigate UFOs in the Washington, D.C. area, only for the objects to disappear. It also details a close encounter where a fighter pilot, Lieut. William Patterson, was surrounded by glowing lights that suddenly clustered around his plane.

Scientific and Expert Opinions

Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding is quoted expressing conviction that UFOs exist and are not man-made, suggesting an extraterrestrial origin. Swiss psychologist Dr. Carl Jung posits that confirmation of an extraterrestrial origin would prove an intelligent interplanetary relationship, placing humanity in a 'precarious position' relative to a superior culture. The magazine also features Earl J. Neff, who argues that UFOs are 'Identified Flying Objects' (IFOs) from other planets, specifically Mars, dismissing 'little green men' theories. Neff presented evidence of encounters with small, hairy creatures from interplanetary vehicles in South America.

Space Exploration and Future Possibilities

Astronomer Dr. Fred Hoyle discusses the possibility of 'live' TV from outer space, suggesting communication with extraterrestrial civilizations that could offer guidance, such as how to avoid nuclear war. He believes that while direct travel to these planets is unlikely due to vast distances, receiving pictures would be significant. The issue also touches upon the ongoing space race, mentioning the launch of the Soviet satellite Cosmos 31 and its re-entry into the atmosphere.

Meteorite Sightings and Related Phenomena

Several reports detail meteorite sightings in Alberta, Canada, including a bright green fireball seen near Duffield and other sightings near Rocky Lane and Spirit River. The Alberta Research Council investigated these reports but found no additional sightings beyond those already documented. The issue also mentions a 'mystery guest' in a cattle herd in Hyde Park, Ontario, described as dark and shaggy with curved horns, which baffled zoologists. Another report discusses a 'ghost' at a Ford Motor Company office in Warley, England, blamed for slamming garage doors and frightening employees.

UFO Hoaxes and Misidentifications

The issue includes an account of Michael Hallowich, who created a 'spaceship landing site' hoax in Glassboro, N.J., causing widespread alarm. He was fined but the fine was suspended. Another report details an incident where three youths in Verona, Italy, mistook German scientists using lights to attract rare night-flying butterflies for 'Martians.' There is also a mention of a fireball seen over Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, which was speculated to be a satellite burning up or a meteorite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent presence and mystery of UFO sightings, the advancements and implications of space exploration, and the tension between official explanations and witness accounts. The magazine appears to lean towards an open-minded approach, presenting various perspectives from eyewitnesses, experts, and scientific organizations like NICAP, while also acknowledging and debunking hoaxes. The editorial stance encourages readers to consider the evidence and the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional understanding, urging for more open investigation and evaluation of UFO data.

This issue of "UFO Reports" (Vol. 1, No. 4, dated March 1965) delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, including meteorites, flying saucers, alleged alien encounters, and claims of reincarnation. The magazine presents eyewitness accounts, official statements, and reader contributions, offering a broad spectrum of reports from early 1965.

Key Articles and Reports

Meteorites - Fireball Shower on B.C.

The lead story details a dramatic event on a night in British Columbia where a huge fireball, likely a meteorite, roared across the sky, lighting up the night for 30 seconds. The object, probably a large meteorite, shook houses in the community of 1,400 and its path stretched across a vast area of the interior. Dr. Kenneth O. Wright of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory suggested it was a meteor shower, noting a similar event in 1913. Fireball is the term used for such objects in the air, while meteorites are those that hit the ground. Reports of flashes came from as far away as Spokane, Washington, and Pincher Creek, Alberta. Two fires, one in a lumberyard, were ignited shortly after the fireball passed. RCMP and airmen from the RCAF base at Kamloops investigated, with Constable Donald Homenuk suggesting chunks from the meteorite likely caused the fires. The town was reportedly shaken, with many residents scared by the unusual event.

Now: A Saucer With Robot Pilot

This section reports on a claim from Brooksville, Florida, where a man named John F. Reeves alleged he saw a flying saucer and a five-foot robot. Reeves, a retired longshoreman, described the object as bluish-green and reddish-purple, about 20 to 30 feet in diameter with two windows. He also described a four-legged landing gear and a robot with human-like features, wearing a canvas suit and glass dome helmet. The robot reportedly took his picture with a device similar to a camera, then climbed into the saucer and took off straight up. Reeves found two pieces of paper with strange writing on them. An intelligence unit from MacDill Air Force Base investigated.

Letters to the Editor - Flying Saucer

A reader expresses interest in a recent official U.S. Airforce statement on flying saucers, noting it conflicts with articles in magazines like "True" and "Bluebook." The reader suggests that many senators, congressmen, and airforce personnel believe there is ample evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. The letter references a book by Edward J. Ruppelt, former head of the U.S. Airforce's UFO investigation committee.

Fireball Seen in Sky Here Was Satellite

This report suggests that a fireball seen north of Brockville on October 19 was likely the death of the Soviet satellite Cosmos 31. Norad stated that the satellite re-entered the Earth's atmosphere and glowed from friction. The satellite was on its 2,160th orbit when it burned up over the northwestern United States.

Unknown Objects Sighted in Sky

This section compiles reports from Cape Breton residents of unidentified objects in the sky. One man saw a red and green object with a long orange tail, while others reported bright flashes. Radio station CJCB in Sydney received numerous calls about objects streaking across the sky. A pilot also reported spotting an object while flying at 7,000 feet.

Mystery Object Buzzed Planes, 2 Japanese Say

Two Japanese civilian pilots reported their planes were buzzed by an unidentified flying object in southwestern Japan. The object reportedly buzzed a Convair 240 airliner and a private Piper Apache.

Little Green Men Just Aren't Fair Game, Eh Sheriff?

This article from Richmond, Virginia, discusses Sheriff John E. Kent's view that while it's okay to watch for flying saucers, shooting at them is dangerous. Virginians are frequently reporting UFOs, with some claiming to have seen small Martian types. The Air Force maintains that its cases are never closed until objects are identified. The article mentions sightings by a pastor, two men near Williamsburg (presumed to be a weather balloon), and reports from Waynesboro and Staunton involving a housewife, a farmer, and a high school student. Professor Ernest Gehman of Eastern Mennonite College reported a high radiation level at a saucer landing site. Gunsmith Horace Burns described a "soft, whooshing sound" from a flying saucer.

Little Green Man Exposed

This piece debunks a sighting of a "little green man" in Staunton, Virginia, suggesting it was likely Donald Cash, who dressed up in blue overalls and a leather cap. He reportedly outran three boys who tried to chase him.

Air Force Probing Speedy Somethings

The Air Force is investigating a report from radar operators at the Patuxent Naval Air Station in Maryland, who spotted two UFOs approaching at 4800 miles per hour. The objects performed a tight turn and disappeared from the scopes.

Girl Claims: I Was Born Before Orillia, Ont.

This story details a claim by Ken Maciver that his 15-year-old daughter, Joanne, under hypnosis, recalled details of a previous life as Susan Ganier, born in 1819 near Owen Sound, Ontario. Dr. Ian Stevenson, a psychiatrist specializing in reincarnation, found the evidence "very scanty" but noted the plausibility of some place names. The case is compared to the Bridey Murphy case.

Indians Wary of Forbidden Plateau

This report from Courtenay, B.C., discusses the "Forbidden Plateau" (Hiyu Cultus Illahe), where the snow turns red annually due to a reddish organism. However, the Comox Indians have a legend of a hairy white race that annihilated a village of women and children by throwing them over the plateau. The snow turning red is said to be a reminder of this event.

"Floating Hotel" in Sky Mystery

Several reports describe a strange flying object seen along the eastern seaboard, described as a "floating hotel" with colored lights and a blue flame. An RCAF spokesman confirmed an aircraft reported seeing an object over Maine, and residents in Prince Edward Island also reported sightings. Father M.W. Burke-Gaffney of St. Mary's University, based on descriptions, stated it was "not astronomical."

"Flying Hotel" Seen Again

Another report of a strange flying object, described as a "flying hotel" and "a flying train with lights on," was seen in Nova Scotia. Police officers in Oxford and Springhill reported seeing flashes of light and flames from an oval, light blue object. Halifax RCMP officers also observed it, with Inspector Pantry noting it seemed to be heading towards Earth. This sighting was similar to one reported the previous Tuesday.

Uncle Ray's Corner - Visitors From Space

This column addresses a fifth-grade question about the odds of Earth being visited by humans from another planet in the next 35 years. "Uncle Ray" believes the odds are at least a hundred to one against it. He dismisses tales of "little people" and suggests that if a visitor from space were found, it would be a significant curiosity.

Lights in Sky "Were UFO's"

Astronomer Father Burke-Gaffney of St. Mary's University has classified numerous flying objects seen over Nova Scotia as unidentified flying objects (UFOs), stating they were not meteors or astronomical. Reports poured into various agencies, including the RCMP.

Little Men From Mars (Montreal Star)

This piece discusses gravity and orbits, suggesting that anomalies in satellite behavior might be related to gravitational variations on Earth. It speculates that if Martians existed and learned to use atomic power, they might have created underground cities. The author suggests that rocket travelers to Mars should be observant and perhaps bring back Martians.

Peace Through Outer Space?

A reader questions why UFO sightings are shrouded in secrecy, believing the public might become alarmed if faced with the knowledge of UFO existence. The author argues that if extraterrestrial beings possess advanced technology, they could have destroyed humanity long ago if they desired. Instead, they likely would have moved beyond war and sought to understand and contact us.

Says U.S., Russia Know Space Travel Big Failure

This report quotes a Belgian biochemist, Professor Marcel Florkin, who allegedly stated that the U.S. and Russia are concealing the fact that human space travel has been a "total failure." He claimed that a manned moon trip is impossible and that astronauts suffer physical harm and mental trouble due to weightlessness. Florkin later denied some of these statements.

Argonne Develops Light Supermagnet

This brief report mentions Argonne's development of an advanced superconducting magnet system that generates tremendous fields without requiring electrical power once energized. The system could lead to future advances in scientific fields.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, often with a leaning towards the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. While some reports are presented as eyewitness accounts and investigations, there's an underlying theme of questioning official explanations and a belief that authorities may be withholding information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs and related subjects, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The inclusion of letters to the editor and columns like "Uncle Ray's Corner" suggests an engagement with reader perspectives and a desire to foster discussion on these topics.