Saucers, Space & Science - No 51

Magazine Overview

This issue of SAUCERS SPACE & SCIENCE, number 51, dated Spring 1968, is edited by Gene Duplantier and published by Aerial Research Systems. The cover features an illustration of U.S. Air Force jets interacting with flying saucers, setting a tone of aerial mystery and investigation. The magazine aims to provide a platform for UFO news and research, with a focus on active participation.

Editorial Notes and New Initiatives

The editor, Gene Duplantier, notes a significant visual improvement in the magazine, attributing it to a planned, methodical approach and eleven years of experience in UFO publishing. He expresses gratitude for reader support and encourages renewals and subscriptions. The issue introduces the "Sentinel" journal, an official organ of Aerial Research Systems, which aims to involve private researchers in active UFO work. It offers opportunities such as the "A.R.S. UFO PATROL" for a "saucer hunt" and the "A.R.S. LUNAR PATROL" to study lunar activities. Additionally, "UFO PATROL FIELD REPRESENTATIVES" are sought to investigate local sightings. The "Sentinel" promises to publish responsible theories on UFO origins, objectives, and future activities, with subscriptions costing $4.50.

The magazine also advertises the "SENTRY MAGNETIC FIELD DETECTOR," a device designed to alert users to magnetic fields. A statement from "UFO-Skywatch," the publication of the Extraterrestrial Phenomena Investigating Committee (E.P.I.C.), attests to the SENTRY's effectiveness. The detector is priced at $10.00 ppd.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The issue is rich with detailed accounts of UFO sightings from various locations:

• Melfort, Saskatchewan (October 1967): Donald Marshal reported seeing a large, square light object, approximately 50 feet long, from which three small humanoid creatures emerged. The object then departed slowly at about 5 mph, leaving behind broken trees but no other evidence.
• Echo Bay, Ontario (Thursday evening): Three residents encountered an object with three lights that appeared before their car. Described as long and narrow, it passed overhead at close range before speeding out of sight into a snowstorm.
• Sintalluta, Saskatchewan (January 2, 1968): A "flying cigar" UFO was sighted about 1.5 miles west of town, traveling at an altitude of 70-80 feet and approximately 85 mph. It had a rounded nose and a rudder assembly but no propeller or wings, and was observed for about 300 yards.
• Cavan Township (March 17, 1968): A family reported seeing three plate-shaped objects in a V formation speeding eastward. The objects were estimated to be traveling at 450 mph and were about 2.5 miles away and a mile high, disappearing after 30 seconds. The father, Dan Mills, claims to have been sighting UFOs since the mid-1930s.
• Duhamel, Alberta (August 5th): Four complete circles, impressed in a pasture on the Edgar Schielke farm, varied in diameter from 31'9" to 36'3". The tracks were 5-7 inches wide, and one ring was elliptical. A physics instructor suggested an anti-gravity field from a hovering saucer produced the rings.
• Beausejour, Manitoba (May 31, 1967): Following a report of a UFO, burned soil was found in a 25-foot diameter area. Preliminary tests suggested the radioactivity might be isotopic.
• Little Morden, Manitoba (Late August): A farmer discovered a perfect 15-foot ring where the grass had turned brown, with no apparent explanation.
• Bowden, Alberta (End of September): A perfect circle, about 32 feet in diameter with an 8-inch depression, was found in a field.
• Gull Lake, Saskatchewan (November 19): A blinding ball of fire was seen to hover and land, leaving a large, circular burned area.
• Brandon, Manitoba (September 28, 1967): A "bright cone of flame pointing downward" was sighted, followed by a silver object. A search revealed a patch of bush burning in a circular area.
• Deep River, Ontario (February 9th): A UFO, described as extremely bright and about 16 feet in diameter, was observed stationary on a hill. Its lights dimmed, and the television set in the nearby farmhouse went on the blink during the sighting.
• Laurentian University (January 23, 1968): Five students claimed to have photographed a disc-shaped "white light" that hovered over Nepahwin Lake. The object was described as silent and moved away quickly.
• Oakridge Park (March 5): A power failure affecting 200 homes was attributed to a defective underground cable, though some residents believed it was caused by three flying saucers seen in formation.
• Three Hills, Alberta: A student reported being followed by a large, oblong craft with a "greenish haze" that seemed to be scared away by a passing jet.
• Hanna, Alberta: A machinist saw a saucer-shaped object with lights and portholes in a field.
• Greybank, Alaska (Early new year): Two boys reported a UFO that produced considerable heat and impaired a snowmobile's operation.
• Nanton, Alberta (November 11): Two men photographed a UFO, described as a large round object flanked by smaller objects. The main object displayed fluctuating lines and changed color from orange to blue and green.
• Powell River, B.C. (December 31st): Ermis Cecconi observed an object over the water with a chain of smaller lights around a pulsating main body. It appeared to be as large as an airplane and moved erratically before shooting off at high speed.

Expert Opinions and Analysis

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, dean of UFO experts and a consultant for the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, is interviewed. He states that there is no scientific evidence of Earth being visited by extraterrestrials and criticizes those with emotional beliefs who ignore evidence. He also dismisses rumors of government cover-ups as false, suggesting they stem from military skepticism. Dr. Hynek believes the "me-tooism" factor contributes to the apparent rash of sightings.

Dr. Roy M. Pritchard, a psychology professor, suggests that unidentified flying objects that cannot be explained naturally might be a result of human perception tricks. He explains that the brain interprets visual stimuli based on existing expectations and needs, leading to potential perceptual distortions. He emphasizes that humans are easily fooled when interpreting the outside world.

Dr. James E. McDonald of the University of Arizona believes that unexplained UFO sightings can be most easily explained by assuming UFOs originate from elsewhere in the Milky Way galaxy, calling the UFO issue one of "extremely great scientific importance."

Phillip J. Klass, editor of Aviation Week magazine, has written a book that seeks to explain some sightings through atmospheric phenomena like ball lightning and charged gaseous masses.

Dr. Peter Millman of the National Research Council, based on his extensive experience with telescopes, cameras, and radar, states that he has not seen anything in his experience to indicate interplanetary visitation.

Data and Statistics

A chart titled "21 YEARS OF UFO SIGHTINGS" shows the yearly total of "unidentified" reports from 1947 to 1967, based on Project Bluebook statistics. The chart indicates that 1966 and 1967 were significant years with "unidentifieds" kept at a minimum due to better observational data. The article notes that the common theories of UFO reports peaking every 5 or 2 years (when Mars is closest to Earth) lack validity based on these statistics, though worldwide activity might change this perspective.

Other Mentions

• A report in U.S. army files on a saucer appearance in Florida showed grass roots had been destroyed.
• Soil samples from the Duhamel circles were sent to a research station in Ottawa.
• The National Research Council is prepared to investigate UFOs and act as a repository for unclassified reports. The defense department received 167 UFO reports in 1967 and carried out eight investigations.
• The RCMP investigated 13 cases and sent reports to the defense department.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFO phenomena are real and warrant serious investigation, while also acknowledging the role of human perception and the need for scientific evidence. There's an emphasis on encouraging active participation from readers in research efforts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking concrete evidence and responsible theories, rather than outright dismissal or blind belief. The magazine positions itself as a vital source for UFO news, particularly from Canada, and aims to bridge the gap between passive observation and active research.

SS&S, published in Spring 1968, is a magazine dedicated to the exploration of UFOs and related phenomena. This issue, Volume 1, No. 1, features a wide array of content, from reviews of other magazines and books on the subject to reports of sightings, discussions on alien life, and the burgeoning field of robotics and cyborgs.

Magazines on the Newsstand

The issue begins with a comprehensive list of magazines and their recent UFO-related articles, providing a snapshot of the media's coverage of the topic in early 1968. Publications like the National Examiner, Saga, True, Popular Photography, and Soviet Life are highlighted for their contributions to UFO literature.

SS&S Gets New Representatives

Kenneth Larson is introduced as the new representative for SS&S in the Los Angeles area. Susanne R. Stebbing will handle inquiries for the British Isles, operating a book service specializing in UFO literature. Gray Barker is also expanding his UFO operations to include SS&S in his book lists.

UFO Leads Men on Merry Chase

A detailed account is given of an incident on January 20, 1968, near Midale, Saskatchewan, Canada. Two businessmen, Ken Peterson and Bob Yung, reported seeing a glowing object, followed it across a field, and later observed additional lights. The report includes other sightings in the Midale area, attributing some to meteor showers but acknowledging unexplained lights.

Auto Bumper Stickers

An advertisement for "Flying Saucers Are Real - The Air Force Doesn't Exist" bumper stickers is included, available for 10 cents each from AFSCA in Los Angeles.

Space Grass

This section explores the phenomenon of "space grass," described as finely shredded aluminum-like material falling from the sky, often found in areas where UFOs have been sighted. The article details cases from Swan River, Manitoba, and other locations in Saskatchewan, Canada. Analysis by the University of Manitoba's geology department confirmed the material was pure aluminum. While a meteorite shower was blamed for some sightings, the article notes that witnesses saw UFOs when the material was dropped. The use of similar material, called "chaff," by the Air Force for radar jamming is mentioned, but it's suggested this doesn't explain all instances.

Androids

Richard R. Landers discusses the trends of mechanizing humans and humanizing machines, pondering the future where man and machine become identical. The article introduces "Roberta," a prototype robot manufactured by U.S. Magical Productions, capable of performing household tasks. The concept of "cyborgs" is also explored, as well as Dr. John C. Lily's prediction of human communication with alien species within the next decade. The capabilities of modern computers are also highlighted.

Mail Box

This section features letters from readers. Bill Gryzik of Chicago reports hearing what he believes to be a UFO voice through his tape recorder. Susan Stebbing of England discusses John Searl's flying saucer project and mentions contactee Gary Myers. Lucius Farish of Arkansas inquires about UFO information from actor William Shatner and comments on a book by Malcom Kent. Norma Short of Stover, Missouri, praises the magazine and requests a correction. Joan Whritenour of St. Petersburg, Florida, shares her positive experience with a TV film and mentions her interactions with military personnel.

News You Can Use

This section provides a list of free UFO resources, including publications like the UFO Analysis Report, UFO photos for sale, reprints of UFO articles from USAF magazines, and information on Project Bluebook. It also lists the "Earthquake Information Bulletin," details on a UFO resolution from a German congress, and information on obtaining UFO photos and UFO information lists.

Conventions

Details are provided for several upcoming UFO conventions: the Congress of Scientific Ufologists in Cleveland, Ohio (June 21-23, 1968); the First National Symposium of the New Age in Mount Shasta, California (August 15-23); and the BUFORA Convention in Bristol, England (May 18, 1968).

Space Spots

This column covers various astronomical and space-related news. It mentions findings from the Mariner 5 probe regarding Venus's atmosphere, theories about radio signals from distant galaxies, the detection of X-rays from quasars, and the massive size of the supergalaxy M87. It also discusses the sun's 11-year cycle of solar storms, Canadian observatories monitoring solar radiation, and the possibility of encountering "other living beings" in space. Canadian lunar eclipses and geological theories about Mars and the Moon are also noted. A humorous anecdote about a snow sculpture is included.

A Look at Books

This section reviews several books related to UFOs and space phenomena. Titles include "The Flying Saucer Vision" by John Mitchell, "The Book of Saucer Photographs," "Song of Saturn" by Connie Menger, "The Real UFO Invasion" by Ray Palmer, "Flying Saucers - Here and Now" by Frank Edwards, "Identified Flying Objects" by Capt. Robert Loftin, and "The Council of Seven Lights" by George Van Tassel. Reviews also cover "Harmonic 33" by Capt. Bruce Cathie, "UFOMATION" by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency, and "The Men in Black" by Kurt Glemser and Robert Beneschan. Otto O. Binder's book "What We Really Know About Flying Saucers" is highlighted, with a second printing announced. Special discounts for SS&S readers on several UFO books are also offered.

UFO Clubs and Publications

A directory of UFO-related clubs and publications is provided, including Skylook, UFO Research Group, The Public UFO Information Center, U.F.O.I.C. Newsletter, UFO Skywatch, UFO Magazine's News Bulletin, Students Investigation on UFOs, and U.S. Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena.

What They're Doing & Saying

This section provides news and updates from the UFO community. It mentions the affiliation of CAPRO of Winnipeg with APRO, the University of Colorado's UFO project extension, Desmond Leslie's plans for a campsite in Ireland, and Frank Stranges' new TV program. It also notes Gray Barker's acquisition of "Saucer News" and mentions interviews with Brad Steiger and Joan Whritenour. The editor's appearances on local TV and radio shows are also detailed. News about the resignation of Allan Vezina from C.A.P.I.C. and the discontinuation of Carol A. Honey's newsletter are included.

Printed Matter

Advertisements for UFO-related books and magazines are featured, including "The Saucer Enigma" and "Saucer Album" published by UFO Magazine, and "Phenomena Magazine." Contact information for ordering these publications is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SS&S revolve around the pervasive presence of UFOs in popular culture and media, the ongoing scientific and public investigation into these phenomena, and the exploration of related concepts like extraterrestrial life, advanced technology, and the blurring lines between humans and machines. The magazine adopts a stance of actively engaging with and disseminating information about UFOs, encouraging reader participation through letters and contributions, and providing a platform for various perspectives within the ufology community. There is a clear emphasis on cataloging sightings, publications, and events, serving as a central hub for UFO enthusiasts.