Saucers, Space & Science - No 53

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCERS SPACE & SCIENCE
Issue: No. 53
Volume/Year: 1968
Date: Fall 1968
Publisher: SS&S
Country of Publication: Canada
Editor: Gene Duplantier

This issue of Saucers Space & Science, dated Fall 1968, delves into a variety of UFO reports, alleged encounters, and related phenomena, drawing from both Canadian and American sources. The magazine aims to provide a platform for discussion and investigation into the UFO situation, while also cautioning readers about potential hoaxes and misidentifications.

Mail Box

The "Mail Box" section addresses reader feedback and clarifies information from previous issues. It notes that early AF statistics regarding UFO flaps from 1954 onwards were deliberately erroneous, based on publicity rather than actual sightings. The issue highlights that while there isn't a strict 5-year cycle for flaps, there are observable 18-month and 30-day cycles. Sightings themselves are considered less important than the "lulls" which may indicate movements of personnel and the beginning of contacts. The article "Couple Killed by a Flying Saucer" is identified as a fabrication by a New York humorist, with the NATIONAL ENQUIRER being cited as one of the few tabloids publishing potentially valid material on the subject, though caution is advised regarding other tabloids that may hire writers to invent stories. The "Spitzbergen crashed saucer" story is also debunked, with the named scientists and military officers found to be non-existent. The widespread problem of nuisance telephone calls is mentioned, linking it to the 1965 blackout and the establishment of Annoyance Call Bureaus. A reader, John W. Blocher from Canton, Ohio, points out that a photo accompanying an article titled "Playing Hide & Seek with Flying Saucers" was actually a model of the starship U.S.S. Enterprise from the television show STAR TREK. Another reader, W.K. Allan from Calgary, Alberta, corrects a quotation attributed to Dr. Hynek, stating it was false and that Dr. Hynek had apologized.

Cover Story: A Newport Beach, California yachtsman

The cover story features C.M. Christensen, a yachtsman who built a sailing-saucer for a planned trip around the world. The craft is described as being propelled by four hydrofoils, riding on an air cushion, made of laminated fiberglass, and costing $15,000. Christensen has kept the interior private and named the craft "TOP SECRET!"

Creature from Outer Space Encounter

Another story details an encounter where wolf cubs from London, Ontario, reportedly cornered a "spaceman" and his flying saucer at a boy scout camp near Sylvan. The boys allegedly dismantled the "creature" and found their leader to be camp counsellor Frank Showbottom. This event set a science-fiction mood for the camp's space-themed activities.

Editor's Notes

The editor addresses the delay in the previous issue's delivery, attributing it to a postal strike from July 18 to August 8th. Despite efforts to mail issues before the deadline, the post office backlog caused delays. The editor announces upcoming postal rate increases, with first-class postage rising to 6 cents and third-class mail increasing from 3 to 5 cents, nearly doubling the cost. Printing costs have also risen due to the offset printing method and subscriptions to information sources. The editor expresses concern over a significant drop in renewals and new subscribers, warning that SS&S may have to phase out its current format and become an exchange bulletin with other UFO clubs if financial viability is not achieved. Readers are urged to recruit new subscribers, perhaps as Christmas gifts, to ensure the magazine's survival. The editor emphasizes that the compensation received is the enjoyment of producing the magazine, and the final decision on its future rests with the readers.

Three More UFO Reports from Manitoba

This section details three separate UFO sightings that occurred around 11 p.m. on February 29th, 1968, near Grand Marais and Fort Alexander, Manitoba. Mrs. Ben Orvis and two other ladies reported seeing a mysterious light that illuminated the countryside. Another carful of people reported a similar light. Mrs. Velma Knott described the light as having no noise and disappearing quickly, with one witness believing it had multiple colors and sparks. Mrs. Donald Bartel of Steinbach reported seeing a circular, bluish-white object, larger than the moon, with a green receiving light, which her dog reacted to before it disappeared. The object was located northwesterly of Steinbach.

The Baker-Nunn Camera and UFOs

The Baker-Nunn camera at Cold Lake, Alberta, operated by the Canadian Armed Forces Air Defence Command, is capable of photographing objects at a distance of 25,000 miles. By correlating photos with star backgrounds, satellite positions can be determined. An associate, W.K. Allan, reports that five or six Baker-Nunn cameras have photographed unidentified objects. Dr. Allen Hynek has 100 reports from moonwatch stations that the Smithsonian Institute has not disclosed, and NORAD receives 900 uncorrelated targets per month.

UFO Material for Sale

This is an advertisement for books, magazines, and photos related to UFOs, available from Kurt Glemser in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

The Mysterious Death of the Sarcee Horse

This article recounts an incident on August 23, 1967, near the Sarcee Reserve in Alberta, Canada. A man riding his horse reported seeing a billowy, low-lying cloud from which a silvery-blue, round UFO emerged. The UFO, estimated to be 40 feet in diameter, had a rounded undercarriage with a blue light and circular vent-like structures. It ascended with a soft noise. About an hour later, the rider found his horse dead, with singed hair and rigor mortis set in. An investigation later found only an imprint where the horse had lain, with no broken twigs or disturbed brush.

The U.S. Government and the UFOs

A photo of a UFO taken by a New Mexico State University student near Las Cruces, N.M., in March 1967, is presented. The Columbus Dispatch linked Southwest UFO reports in 1966-1967 with a government space project. The author, Paul Massa, claimed to have photographed a discarded saucer-shaped spacecraft. Government officials reportedly preferred to deny the validity of sightings rather than explain them.

Radiation Yes -- 'Green Men' No

Analysis of metal found at the site where Steve Michalak claimed to have seen a UFO revealed a high percentage of silver and common radiation, specifically Ra 226, commonly found in uranium and thorium ore. The metal was molded by considerable heat, suggesting it was not planted by Michalak. The findings were reported by Brian Cannon of CAPRO.

Malton Confirms Oakville UFO Sighting

A flying saucer was reported three miles off Oakville lakeshore and confirmed by an Oakville policeman and the control tower of Toronto International Airport. The object was circled with lights, had green and orange flashing lights on top, and did not appear on radar. It was observed at 1,000 feet above the water and had a circle of white lights. The flashing lights were not like those on an aircraft. The UFO disappeared at daybreak after being observed for about 45 minutes. Sightings are frequent in the area.

Flying Saucer Lands at St.-Stanislas de Kostka, Province of Quebec

On July 28, 1968, five children in St.-Stanislas de Kostka, Quebec, Canada, reported seeing a flying saucer land in a grain field and a "being" from space. Denis Leger described seeing a circle with a red halo, followed by a second object. The objects moved slowly and descended noiselessly. Denis identified it as a flying saucer and recalled a similar sighting the previous year. The children observed a creature with a wrinkled, scabby head, large eyes, and a flat nose. The being lifted its hand, opened and closed its mouth, and then retreated. The saucer later ascended vertically into the clouds. Mr. and Mrs. Sauve were skeptical of the "creature" but Mr. Sauve had also seen a saucer.

Hair Thing No Bear, Says Logger

Logger Gordon Baum reported seeing a 5-foot-tall, 200-pound creature covered in black hair near Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada. He identified it as a Sasquatch, not a bear, noting it bounded away quickly. The footprint was 6 inches across. A knee print was also found. Baum was alone when he spotted the creature.

Loch Ness Monster on Vacation?

John Alexander of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, reported seeing a 20-foot-long, snakelike creature in Lake Ontario, described as having alternating wide and narrow segments with no distinct head.

Strange Things Happened on the Night of the Meteorite

On July 2, 1968, a fireball, believed to be a meteor, was sighted across the northeastern United States, Quebec, and Ontario. Three pilots reported seeing the flaming object. Near St.-Alphonse, Quebec, reports of an unidentified object "as big as a house" led to fears of invasion. An egg-shaped rock was found near St.Paul, Quebec, and guarded by a farmer. Reports of "nude little men" were investigated and found to be two runaway boys. The rock was analyzed as ordinary sedimentary rock. A ham radio operator was suspected of spreading the rumor of Martians due to misinterpreting police radio messages about runaway children. In Woodstock, Ontario, a flaming object was believed to be the meteor. A private plane searched Innerkip for a burning aircraft. Witnesses reported seeing companions change color, and poltergeist activity was observed, including smashed windows and objects being thrown. The meteor is considered the most likely explanation for these events.

How Sky-Watchers' Eyes Play Tricks

This article discusses how UFO sightings can be influenced by imagination and the tendency for people to want to believe in extraterrestrial objects. It highlights that even when objects are identified as falling space junk or natural phenomena, many refuse to be convinced. The article notes that police officers are aware of how impressions can be distorted under excitable circumstances and that no two persons retain the same accurate impression of an event. The publicity surrounding UFOs contributes to the bizarre results. The re-entry of the Soviet space vehicle Zond 4 was widely reported, with observers claiming to see windows and rivets, despite being far from the site. The article concludes that until a way is found to predict the re-entry of space junk, the UFO phenomenon will likely persist.

E.P.I.C. and UFO-Skywatch

E.P.I.C. (Extraterrestrial Phenomena Investigating Committee) has members in 25 states and 16 foreign countries. They interview individuals on radio programs like "UFO-Skywatch" and publish a monthly magazine, UFO-SKYWATCH, featuring UFO reports and articles. Membership is $3.00 per year in the U.S. and $4.00 overseas.

Flying Saucer Observer

This is a non-scheduled, non-profit periodical that aims for a scientific and objective approach to UFOs. It serves as an advertiser bulletin, informs about recent sightings and incidents in southern New England and New York, and provides an evaluation of the UFO situation from within the field. Subscription rates are provided.

The Luminator

This is a New Age newspaper published monthly, with subscription rates provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and mysterious phenomena reported across North America. There is a consistent effort to present these reports, but also a strong undercurrent of skepticism and a focus on debunking hoaxes and misidentifications. The editor's notes reveal a concern for the financial viability of the magazine, urging readers to support it to prevent its closure. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation tempered with a critical eye, aiming to separate fact from fiction in the complex world of UFOlogy. The magazine also touches on related phenomena like Sasquatch and the Loch Ness Monster, suggesting a broad interest in unexplained events.

This issue of SS&S magazine, dated Fall 1968, presents a collection of UFO sightings, encounters, and related news from various locations, including Argentina, Canada, Sweden, and the USA. The cover story, "Bald space dwarf lands on highway," details an incident in Argentina where a flying saucer allegedly crashed, with witnesses claiming interaction with small, bald beings.

Key Articles and Reports

Argentina Incident: The magazine extensively covers a reported flying saucer crash near Mendoza, Argentina. Local employees Carlos Peccinetti and Fernando Jose Villegas described a machine like "two inverted soup plates" from which five little dwarfs emerged. They claimed the beings spoke telepathically, understood mathematics as a universal language, and took blood samples. The incident prompted an official investigation ordered by Supreme Court Judge Dr. Juan Vitale Nocera, including an analysis of deposits on the vehicle. The report notes the widespread public and official involvement in Argentina, with even the Defense Minister commenting on the lack of information but expressing a desire to see such phenomena.

Coleraine, Quebec Encounter: A report from Coleraine, Quebec, describes children, including 7-year-old Denis Bogus, witnessing a dwarfish man with red, horny skin and a black beard on a boulder, followed by a "flying saucer." The object was described as blue, white, and red, about 30 feet wide, leaving a smoke trail.

Swedish Sighting: Anders Stenlund of Sweden reported seeing a UFO with blue smoke, approximately 100 feet above him. The object, described as two saucepan lids, emitted an odor of burning and a slight noise, and Stenlund noticed his hair had been burnt.

Canadian Sightings: Several Canadian incidents are detailed. Harold Howery of Hanna, B.C., reported an object hovering near his car for about three miles, described as a large, light blue glowing light. In Hamilton, Ontario, Police Constable Walt Jewel observed an egg-shaped object for 35 minutes, changing color from blueish green to bright red. Another report from the Maritimes details a fiery object striking a power line near Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, and a mysterious craft observed for two hours over Grand Bay-Westfield.

US Sightings and Reports: A report from Wabush, Labrador, describes a large sun-reflecting UFO seen by hundreds of residents. The magazine also includes a detailed account of a creature encounter in Sweden by two teenagers, who described a non-human figure with a disproportionately large head and jerky movements.

Book Reviews: The issue features several book reviews related to UFO phenomena. "Mysteries of the Skies: UFOs in Perspective" by Gordon I.R. Lore, Jr., and Harold H. Deneault, Jr., is highlighted for its historical documentation of UFO cases. "Document 96 - A Rationale for Flying Saucers" by Frank Martin Chase is noted for its speculative content bordering on military secrets. "Song of Saturn" by Connie Menger recounts her experiences with Howard Menger and his space contacts. "Behold... The Venus Garuda" by Sungma Tenzing Lama--Dickhoff Ph.D. is described as a provocative work about aliens observing Earth. Timothy Green Beckley's "Book of Space Brothers" is presented as a collection of alleged communications from extraterrestrial entities. "The Shaver Mystery and the Inner Earth" by Timothy Green Beckley is discussed for its exploration of underground beings and strange phenomena. Finally, "Identified Flying Saucers" by Robert Loftin is reviewed as a survey of sightings in the US and Europe.

Other Content: The magazine includes a section on "UFO Sinks Into River," detailing a sighting by four boys near the Cornwallis River in Nova Scotia. It also features a letter to the editor about a flying saucer hovering over a garage in Toronto. Advertisements for UFO publications and back issues are also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings globally, the variety of reported craft shapes and behaviors, and the often-unexplained nature of these phenomena. The magazine appears to present these reports with a degree of seriousness, evident in the detailed accounts and the inclusion of official or semi-official investigations. There is a clear interest in documenting historical cases and providing readers with access to books and research on the subject. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to explore the subject through the provided resources and reports, without necessarily endorsing any single theory.