Saucers, Space & Science - No 59

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCERS SPACE & SCIENCE
Issue: no. 59
Year: 1970
Publisher: Gene Duplantier
Country of Publication: Canada
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SAUCERS SPACE & SCIENCE, number 59 from 1970, is a non-profit publication dedicated to UFO phenomena, edited and published by Gene Duplantier from Willowdale, Ontario, Canada. The magazine is printed by photo-offset and costs 75¢ for the current issue, with a yearly subscription price of $2.50 for 4 issues. It is a member of the Congress of Scientific Ufologists and the World Union of Flying Saucer Clubs.

Editor's Notes

Editor Gene Duplantier notes that the workload for producing the magazine has become a chore, with an increasing number of letters requiring answers taking time away from production. He expresses a desire to maintain the quarterly schedule but asks for patience if issues are delayed. Duplantier announces new departments to be introduced, including a regular feature called "WORLDSCOPE" compiled in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution Center for Short-Lived Phenomena. He also welcomes Colman Vonkeviczky as the new scientific adviser and William Moser and Lionel Beer as new representatives. Leo Bartsch is noted as an associate for the northwest U.S.A. Duplantier discusses a proposal to change the magazine's size from 8x11 to 7x10 inches to allow for stapling, but acknowledges the increased cost. He also mentions that manuscripts should be kept to one or two pages due to the magazine's limited page count of twenty. The editor also promotes the magazine's publication "OUTERMOST" and contemplates future articles on the occult world.

Letters to the Editor and Correspondents' Reports

The issue features several letters from correspondents:

• Richard S. Hack from Ft. Rucker, Ala., refutes charges made by Ralph Rankow, who accused Jennifer Stevens' article in "Beyond Condon" of being a fraud, John Keel of gullibility, Charles Bowen of allowing Keel to take over FSR, and Hack himself of not existing. Hack asserts that all charges are false and suggests the matter be alluded to in SS&S, believing Rankow desires publicity.
• John Rimmer from Liverpool, England, expresses his continued enjoyment of SS&S and appreciates the commemorative stamps included with the magazine.
• Brinsley Le Poer Trench from London, England, reports that UFO interest seems low following the Condon Report but expects it to pick up again with new sightings.
• Mike Lindner from New York, N.Y., recounts three cases: Little Mary Ann Baily (Yorkshire, England, 1911) who was lifted and crashed; Sharon Weron (Bowdle, South Dakota, 1955) who was lifted while on a horse; and an entire barn that vanished (Lumberton, N.C., 1955).
• P.M.H. Edwards from Victoria, B.C., provides details on strange circles in New Zealand, questioning the 'expert' explanations and suggesting a UFO hypothesis. He lists several points: sacrophytic fungus is not a cause, flower buds indicate sudden death, farm animals avoid the sites, non-symmetrical markings are noted, a farmer experienced migraines, ducks and frogs disappeared from a pond, and another site (Kaharoa) was mentioned.
• Loren E. Coleman from Carbondale, Ill., reports on a "cougar" sighting investigation in Decatur, Ill. (January 1970), involving large claw-marked tracks and an electric fence, which the local game warden believed to be a beaver.

UFO News You Can Use

This section provides various notices and requests:

• WANTED: Pre-1947 UFO reports and Canadian sightings from 1896-97 era.
• A Chronological Catalog of Reported Lunar Events is available for $3.00.
• Michael Hervey, author of "UFOs Over the Southern Hemisphere," is seeking UFO photos and personal sightings for his book.
• The Solar Space Foundation is accepting donations for its "BLUE ROSE" program.
• WANTED: Persons interested in Bigfoot, UFOs, monsters, psychic phenomena, etc., to write to Paul Doerr.
• A FREE copy of "New Geocosmic Theory" by Dr. C. Hyman and Dr. Wm. Kinsman is offered, along with Dr. Kinsman's letter regarding Dr. Allen Hynek's theory.
• The Paraphysical Lab has issued a "Classified Directory of Spontaneous Phenomena" for the UK in 1968.
• A UFO INFO surprise package is available for $1.00.
• The WORLD'S GREATEST UFO CATALOG 1970 is available for 50¢ postpaid.
• David Britton, a Toronto publisher, claims extraterrestrial beings will make a public landing within two years and discusses connections with the Dalai Lama and a past planet called Maldek.

Moon of Mars Photograph

A clear image of one of Mars' two moons, PHOBOS, was produced by computerized enhancement of pictures from Mariners 6 and 7, revealing it as the darkest celestial body ever recorded.

Apollo 14 Will Probe Mystery Lights

Previous Apollo astronauts reported mysterious flashes of light, described as streaks or dots, believed by some to be cosmic rays. Apollo 14 astronauts will be asked to use the moon as a shield to determine the direction of these lights. Astronauts Aldrin, Armstrong, Collins, Lovell, Swigert, and Haise reported seeing these flashes. A comment from John Keel criticizes an article for ignoring that astronauts have photographed these flashes and dismisses the cosmic ray explanation.

• Note: ANOMALY No.4 is available from John A. Keel.

Report from Alberta

This section details several UFO sightings in Alberta, Canada:

1. Nick Davis (Calgary, Alta., 1968): Awakened by a noise, saw a 30-50 ft diameter object with multi-colored flashing lights glide over the rooftop and then depart northwest.
2. Frank Marwood (near Swift Current, Sask., Nov. 11, 1968): Observed a bluish-white circular object, about 25 ft in diameter, spinning on an axis, which followed his car for about 20 miles.
3. Maureen Johnston (Crossfield, Alta., Jan. 30, 1969): Saw a burning reddish-glow, clam-shaped ball with an orange tail descend and fly easterly. The object had lights like windows and an exhaust. The witness reported phone call interruptions, which the Alberta government noted as happening in the area.
4. Don Wood (Didsbury, Alta., Jan. 30, 1969): Saw a cigar-shaped UFO with windows traveling at incredible speed from west to east.
5. Betty Rynert (between Carstairs and Didsbury, Alta., Jan. 30, 1969): Observed a greyish-silver, oblong object hovering with points of light for about fifteen minutes, which then ascended steeply.
6. Lloyd Fox (Feb. 2, 1969): Saw a UFO with a dome on top, round, flat, and shiny, emitting white smoke, which tipped and ascended.
7. Leo Hamish (Feb. 28, 1969): Saw a cup-shaped UFO, right side up, curved on the bottom and shiny, hover and disappear over a hill.
8. Gordon Levinski (Feb. 28, 1969): Saw a disc-shaped object moving south to north, larger than a jetliner but smaller than a full moon.
9. Peggy Loos (mid-February, morning): Saw a cigar-shaped, silvery object with a bright light in the center, which hovered, moved up and down, and then ascended rapidly.
10. Arnold Slutton (Didsbury, Alta., Feb. 11, 1969): Saw a bright ball of light with three small blue lights around the outer edge, which traveled southwest and disappeared.
11. Farmer (5 years ago last Feb. 1970): Noticed three distinct green rings in a ploughed field, about 30-40 feet in diameter, with no indentations or fungus growth.
12. Charles A. Bennett (Carstairs, Jan. 23, 1969): Saw a UFO that looked like a cloud of smoke but had a dome on top and bottom, about 50 feet in diameter. It dipped with the sun shining off it, had a ring around the outside, and emitted black smoke before disintegrating.
13. Mrs. Barbara Smythe (Craigmile, Feb. 18, 1969): Saw a gigantic object, bright pinky-red, with two large, flashing white lights, spinning counter-clockwise. It was tent-shaped with flames and pulsating sides, about three times the size of a 14-foot steel grainery.
14. Bob Smythe (near Didsbury, summer 1969): A farmer reported his field on fire, finding three circular areas burned together, totaling 75 feet in diameter, with no markings.
15. Mrs. Cliff Foster (Georgian Bay area, Ontario, May 1935): Saw a light coming along the road that swerved toward them, made no sound, and was about three feet off the ground, the size of a Japanese orange. It then went towards the lake.

Strange Incident

This section recounts a detailed encounter from Sweden in 1959, as told by Soren Andersson to Mr. G. Johansson.

• The Incident: Mr. Gideon Johansson, chief engineer at AB Brusafors-Hallefors, witnessed a power blackout followed by a strong light. He and his son, Rolf, observed an object that initially seemed like an airplane or helicopter. The object stopped, swayed, struck a maple tree, and descended to about one meter above the street, rocking like a boat. Johansson observed a space vehicle with a white light emanating from a window-like area. He saw two humanoid beings inside, described as having high foreheads, large beautiful eyes, no external ears, long narrow noses, small mouths, and weakly-shaped lower jaws. They were about the size of 14-year-olds and wore white uniforms with black belts. Johansson waved, and the being on the right loosened his belt and worked on something in the cockpit. The object then floated forward, followed by Johansson, stopped at a crossing street, turned off its light, and disappeared. Johansson felt a current of air. He experienced radiation injury, causing his glands to swell, but has since recovered. The power blackout remained unexplained, but a black substance was found on a 3-meter section of the power line. The UFO's material resembled armor-plate, and its construction seemed to be by hand, with uniforms resembling 19th-century attire.

The Alien Craft

An illustration depicts an alien craft with a diameter of approximately 4 meters, featuring three circular lights on top.

UFO Study 'Dead'

Dr. Rod Tennyson of the University of Toronto's UFO project stated that the study has stalled due to a lack of physical evidence. The team found only six serious cases out of hundreds reported. Forestry experts investigated a landing site where a UFO was said to have scorched the earth, but results were negative. Another case involved "space grass" which turned out to be radar chaff. Dr. Tennyson mentioned that the study was advertised but received little response. He noted that Dr. Peter Millman of the National Research Council and the NRC have been the sole keepers of the UFO file, termed the Non-Meteoritic Sighting File, since 1968.

On the Trail of the Sasquatch

This article explores the Sasquatch phenomenon in Canada and Malaysia:

• Sasquatch in Canada: Described as a legend of British Columbia, similar to Bigfoot and the Abominable Snowman. A movie titled "Sasquatch," featuring Roger Patterson's 1967 California footage, was exhibited in Calgary. Five construction workers at the Calgary Power Big Horn Dam project saw a mysterious figure at least twice the size of a man. Natives reported seeing creatures six times in a limited area, described as erect, hairy, about six times the size of a man, 15 feet tall, with round shoulders and dark in color. Floyd Engen reported seeing the creature sitting down, then standing up and walking into the hills. Cree Indian workers shared stories of enormous creatures. Mark Yellowbird reported four human prints, 14" long and over six feet apart. His daughter saw four creatures working on a mountain. Ivan Walley reported seeing an "elderly Sasquatch" near Kamloops, described as seven feet tall, with long legs, weighing 300-400 pounds, covered in short, grey-brown hair.
• John Green's Research: Publisher of the Agassiz Advance, has investigated mysterious tracks and believes the creature is an ape that came from Asia. He estimates there may be 1,000 living in the mountains.
• Malaysia: An expedition is searching for hairy creatures in Pahang State, described as a cross between humans and apes.
• Loren Coleman's Correlation: Coleman notes a correlation between ABSM (Abominable Snowman) and UFO activity, suggesting John Keel's research points to this connection.

UFO-ABSM Correlations

This section discusses the potential correlation between UFO and ABSM (Abominable Snowman) activity:

• Notable Correlations: Jennifer Stevens found UFO-ABSM reports in the Erie, Pa. area (July-Aug.-1966) and Point Pleasant, W.Va. (Nov. 1967-Dec. 1966). Reports from Delaware County, N.Y. (Nov. 1968) and Michigan and Ontario (Aug.-Sept. 1965) are also mentioned.
• Four Possibilities: The author outlines four possibilities for these correlations: 1. Entirely meaningless. 2. Media amiability to Forteana during flaps leads to printing and "buffs" finding correlations. 3. In-depth researchers find ABSM reports while investigating UFO cases. 4. A "real" relationship exists between UFO-ABSM occurrences in time and space, potentially related to an "occupant" theory or paraphysical explanations.
• The "Iceman" of Memphis: Emmett Kelly Jr. had a chance to see the "iceman" in Memphis, Tenn., described as a creature that fell into a crevice or off a cliff, with one eye gouged out. It appeared to be genuine, with dirt under its fingernails and toenails. John Keel mentioned two known fakes.
• "Phantom" Scare in the Valley: Reports of a 18-foot tall "phantom" near Berwick, Nova Scotia, described as a tall, dark form walking or floating at 20 mph. Police were monitoring the area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the unexplained, with a focus on UFO sightings, alleged encounters with humanoids, and the mysterious Sasquatch phenomenon. The editor, Gene Duplantier, maintains an open stance towards these subjects, presenting various reports and theories without definitive conclusions, encouraging reader participation and discussion. The magazine appears to be a platform for enthusiasts and researchers in the field of ufology and related paranormal topics, aiming to provide information and foster a community around these subjects. The editorial stance leans towards presenting evidence and accounts, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the need for physical evidence in scientific study.

This issue of SS&S (Saucers, Space & Science) from 1970, identified as No. 59, presents a collection of intriguing and often bizarre accounts related to unexplained phenomena, UFOs, and other mysteries. The cover boldly asks, "Would you believe?", setting the tone for the diverse and sometimes startling content within.

Featured Articles and Reports

Mermaids and Mysterious Creatures

The magazine opens with a report from the Isle of Man, claiming the island has mermaids. Several islanders insist they have seen these creatures, with one member of the House of Keys reportedly offering a reward for proof. Wing Commander Roy MacDonald recounts seeing two red-haired mermaids moving at about 12 knots, a speed he deemed impossible for a human swimmer. The Mayoress of Peel and a secretary named Helen Cowell also share their sightings of mermaids basking on rocks or offshore, describing one as about three-feet, six-inches long with a "lovely figure."

Paranormal Events

In a peculiar incident from June 1960, a piano belonging to Judge C. C. Cravath of Laguna Beach, California, began playing on its own at night, though the jurist did not believe it was a ghost. Another report details the baffling case of seven missing trees in Newport, Rhode Island, in December 1960. These trees, over 35 feet tall, were chopped down and hauled away from estates without any noise or witnesses.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to UFO reports. One account from Caledonia, Ontario, describes a UFO sighting by John R. Gibson and his family in August 1968. They observed a saucer-shaped object, illuminated by red and white lights, at an altitude of 2,000 to 3,000 feet, emitting a "whirring noise."

Another report from Leominster, Massachusetts, in November 1965, details police searching for a stolen fire hydrant, believed to have been taken by two youths. The incident is notable for its unusual nature, with a Water Dept. Foreman expressing surprise at the theft.

Scientific and Philosophical Speculation

Andrew Murdison's article, "Evil in Space," discusses the implications of recent space exploration failures, like Apollo 13. He references physicists who suggest that traveling at light speed could result in significant time dilation. Murdison posits a theological perspective, questioning if Earth is quarantined by a divine architect to prevent the spread of sin and death to the rest of creation.

Edward Harris, in "Electric Saucers - Where Are You?", explores the idea of experimental "electric aircraft" potentially being responsible for some UFO sightings. He questions the secrecy surrounding such inventions and mentions man-made saucers like the AVROCAR and a French saucer from 1960.

Richard S. Shaver's "Potato Bugs from Space" draws a parallel between the destructive nature of flying saucers and that of potato beetles and Japanese beetles, suggesting UFOs are a "planetary disease" that loots and destroys planets. He introduces the concept of "Deros" who use a device called "telaug" to blind humans.

Personal Experiences and Investigations

Vera Kolver recounts a "Strange Experience" of a friend, Mr. S., who claims to have been taken for a ride in a flying saucer in August 1968. Mr. S. describes the craft as grey and round, with walls that felt like velvet, and was told about its propulsion system by five men and a female pilot.

World Events and Publications

The "WORLDSCOPE" section provides a compilation of brief descriptions of events happening worldwide, including volcanic activity, earthquakes, and a large fireball seen over Colorado and Wyoming. It also lists various UFO-related publications and clubs, such as "Quest - UFO Report," "The UFO Spotter," and "Outermost," along with contact information.

Book and Magazine Reviews

The "LOOK AT BOOKS" section reviews "Strange Creatures from Time and Space" by John A. Keel, describing it as a comprehensive encyclopedia of monsters. It also reviews "Menace of the Saucers" by Eando Binder, a science-fiction thriller involving UFOs and Men-in-Black.

Other Reports

There are also reports of a UFO sighted by the crew of Thor Heyerdahl's papyrus craft RA II over the Atlantic. Ivan T. Sanderson is discussed for his views on UFOs and the hounding of witnesses by authorities. A unique tape recording concerning saucer reports and the "missing topstone" of the Great Pyramid is advertised. A photograph of a flying saucer taken in Argentina is also featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across various locations, the mysterious and often inexplicable nature of these events, and the exploration of both scientific and speculative explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the paranormal and unexplained, encouraging readers to share their own experiences. The magazine actively promotes other UFO-related publications and events, fostering a community of interest in the subject.