Skywatch - No 01 - 1967 06-08

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatch
Issue: No. 1
Date: June/July/August, 1967
Publisher: International Sky Scouts (S.A.), Durban.
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This inaugural issue of 'Skywatch' magazine, published quarterly by the International Sky Scouts (S.A.) in Durban, South Africa, sets out its mission to foster a general acceptance of intelligent life on other planets and the possibility of advanced beings attempting to contact humanity for assistance. The magazine declares itself non-military and non-political, aiming to be both interesting and instructive.

Editorial

The editorial introduces 'Skywatch' as the offspring of the International Sky Scouts (S.A.), marking its initial steps towards promoting the idea of intelligent extraterrestrial life and advanced beings seeking to aid human evolution. It appeals to readers with UFO experiences or knowledge in allied fields like Astronomy, Electro-magnetism, photography, and radio-tracking to contribute. The editorial emphasizes the formation of a united front of believers and expresses hope for providing proof to the world. It posits that interstellar travel and communication represent the next step in human evolution, aiming for greater unity among mankind.

We Are Building a Bridge

By Evelyn van Vloten, this article introduces the 'Bridge-Idea' championed by Mr. Brinsley le Poer Trench, Chairman of the I.S.S. The 'Bridge-Idea' suggests that those aware of Space Ships and their occupants can act as a bridge between these visitors and Earth people. The article asserts that this 'human bridge' is built on a solid foundation, drawing parallels to biblical accounts, such as Ezekiel Chapter 1, which are interpreted as descriptions of space craft. It mentions ancient European records of UFO sightings and highlights Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting that coined the term 'Flying Saucer'. The article suggests that visitors became interested in Earth after the 1945 atomic explosion in Hiroshima and are monitoring humanity to prevent self-destruction, focusing on spiritual progress rather than material welfare.

I.S.S. Groups and Cosmic Acceptance

This section details the expanding operations of I.S.S. groups globally, attracting various age groups. The movement's objective is to prove the existence of superior civilizations on other planets. It encourages open-mindedness and humility in acknowledging that humanity is not unique. The article references astronomers who believe in extraterrestrial life and draws a parallel between humanity's technological progress and the potential for more advanced civilizations on other planets. It questions whether these advanced beings might be interested in younger planets like Earth, especially concerning nuclear energy knowledge, and if they wish to prevent humanity from making catastrophic mistakes. The article also notes an article in 'The Sunday Tribune' (April 30th, 1967) about UFOs causing alarm in Africa and mentions the United Nations' 'Outer Space Committee'. It concludes that the 'Bridge' will be strengthened by uniting knowledgeable individuals with those seeking direction, leading to gradual, panic-free contact and established interterrestial communication.

Our Astronomy Corner

This section, aimed at laymen, provides elementary astronomical facts relevant to interstellar travel. It focuses on 'Descriptive Astronomy', emphasizing observation. Fundamental facts covered include the apparent motion of stars due to Earth's rotation and the concept of stellar magnitude, where brighter stars have lower magnitudes, with up to the 6th magnitude visible to the naked eye. A constellation is defined as a group of stars, with examples like the Southern Cross and Orion. The article includes a quote from 'An Easy Guide to Southern Stars' by M.A. Orr, detailing the position of the Southern Cross in the Southern Hemisphere at different times of the year, specifically referencing observations around 9 p.m. in the latitude of 34° South, South Africa.

I.S.S. Meeting at 'The Centre', Durban

A report by Edmund Bentley details a meeting on April 27th, 1967, chaired by John Elliot. The meeting focused on correlating data for the newly formed Organisation of International Sky Scouts (S.A.).

• Mr. Philipp Human, who has studied UFOs for 15 years, shared personal experiences and discussed the new organization's work.
• Mr. Gregory Roberts, a scientist and official satellite tracker from the University of Natal, reported observing objects he believed to be UFOs during his work.
• Mr. Philip Botha claimed telepathic contact with beings from Flying Saucers since age five. He stated these beings communicated a universal solar language, were benevolent, and aimed to unite and uplift humanity spiritually, not to prevent atomic explosions. He described these beings as living on a higher wavelength and representing planets outside the Solar system not affected by 'The Fall of Man'.

An audience of fifty attended, asking questions and showing enthusiasm.

Are the Occupants of UFO's Friendly or Hostile?

By Ann Elliot, this article explores the nature of UFO occupants. Assuming UFOs are real and intelligent life exists on other planets, Elliot posits that some civilizations would be more advanced. While conquering space suggests advancement, the field of advancement is debated. Elliot argues that a solely intellectual and material (scientific) advancement is one-sided, as humanity is a three-fold being: physical, mental, and spiritual. The 'true Self', part of the Infinite Spirit, has experienced a 'separation-in-thought' on Earth, leading to a one-sided unfoldment and intellectual knowledge without wisdom. Regarding the friendliness or hostility of UFO occupants, Elliot suggests they 'could be both'. Civilizations lacking a spiritual foundation might assert power, similar to issues on Earth. However, Elliot also believes there are spiritually advanced beings who aim to assist and guide humanity's development.

UFO's Over South Africa - Recent Sightings

This section compiles recent UFO sightings reported in South Africa:

• Mr. R.J. Ellis (Durban, March 7th, 1967): Observed two craft in the East and three similar craft in the West, described as tilted, hovering discs with dome-shaped centres emitting brilliant red light.
• Miss Rie Kok (Johannesburg, March 28th, 1967): Saw an enormous amber star moving East, making a sudden turn North towards the Moon, hovering, and changing colour from amber to red, then back to amber.
• Miss Astrid Beringer (Johannesburg, March 20th, 1967): Observed five UFOs, four close together in the South and one large globe in the North. The smaller ones changed colour.
• Mrs. N. Banks (Durban, May 9th, 1967): Observed a silver disc, the size of a 50-cent piece, moving slowly South-East, disappearing and then returning to disappear again.
• Extract from 'Dagbreek' (May 21st, 1967) regarding Nylstroom: Mysterious UFOs have been seen for six months. Mr. Erasmus and five others saw a UFO on May 19th, 1967, high in the sky, twice the size of the evening star, moving with great speed in a half-circle down, soundless, and changing colour from red to green.
• Mr. Link (Nylstroom): Heard a terrific noise and saw a yellow, round object like the rising moon hovering, then shooting down near the ground, hovering, moving left, changing colour from red glow to green, and then shooting obliquely into the sky.
• Mr. Bosman (Nylstroom): Has an 8 mm. cine-film showing a yellow disc.

What V.I.P.'s Say

• Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding: "The existence of these machines is evident and I have accepted them absolutely."
• Alberth M. Chop (former Air Force Press Official): "One thing is absolutely certain. We are being watched by beings from outer space."

Notices

The magazine announces upcoming I.S.S. meetings in Durban on July 29th, August 31st, and September 30th, 1967. It also invites questions, suggestions, and articles in Afrikaans and English, with acceptance subject to approval. The correspondence address is Secretary, P.O. Box 2320, Durban.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the existence and nature of extraterrestrial life, the potential for interstellar travel and communication, and the spiritual evolution of mankind. The magazine strongly advocates for an open mind towards UFO phenomena and the possibility of advanced beings influencing human development. The editorial stance is one of promoting belief and encouraging investigation into these subjects, with a particular emphasis on a spiritual interpretation of these encounters and their implications for humanity's future. The International Sky Scouts (S.A.) position themselves as facilitators of knowledge and understanding in this field.