Skywatch - No 02 - 1967 10-12

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatch
Issue: October: November: December
Volume: II
Date: Oct-Nov-Dec/1967
Publisher: International Sky Scouts (S.A.)
Country: South Africa
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Skywatch presents a collection of articles focusing on UFO sightings, astronomical observations, and speculative theories about extraterrestrial life and cosmic influences. The publication, a quarterly from the International Sky Scouts (S.A.) based in Durban, aims to document and discuss phenomena related to the sky and potential visitors from space.

Editorial

The editorial for this edition, dated October: November: December, thanks readers for their reports on UFO sightings. It suggests that observers pay attention to the locations where these objects are seen, noting a pattern of concentration around areas like reservoirs, power stations, radio aerials, atomic stations, and factories. The editorial also mentions the growing organization and upcoming public meetings for the International Sky Scouts. It references an article from 'Space View,' a New Zealand magazine, where Soviet Astronomer Nicholai Kozyrev acknowledges the possibility of human life on Mars and Venus, based on the discovery of oxygen and nitrogen in their atmospheres. The editorial also notes the status of Venus probes launched in 1955. Finally, it encourages readers to subscribe to various UFO periodicals available worldwide.

The Heat and The Chaff by Brinsley le Poor Trench

This article posits that Earth is moving into areas of intensive cosmic energies that are affecting humanity spiritually, mentally, and physically. The author attributes the increase in violence, crime, wars, and earthquakes to these energies, viewing the planet as a living entity. The article suggests that these cosmic energies are impartial but will amplify materialistic tendencies in some individuals while enhancing spiritual awareness in others. It frames this as a 'sorting of the wheat from the chaff' and a preparation for a 'higher assignment' for the planet. The author uses an analogy of a dirty ink bottle being flushed out to explain how negative elements will be purged by these new energies. The article concludes by urging readers to remain calm, meditate, and act as 'Light Houses' to spread awareness during these times. It also references an article from the first issue titled 'We are building a Bridge' by Evelyn van Vloten, emphasizing the need for a sound foundation for connecting with 'Sky People.'

Essentials of Astronomy by Gregory Roberts

This section provides an introduction to astronomical coordinate systems. It explains two primary systems: Right Ascension and Declination, comparing them to Earth's longitude and latitude. It details the concepts of the north and south celestial poles and the celestial equator. The article also describes the Azimuth and Altitude system, used by surveyors, which measures angles around the horizon and from the horizon to the zenith, respectively. It defines terms like celestial meridian, zenith, nadir, and culmination. The article also touches upon stellar magnitude, explaining how astronomers measure the brightness of stars, with brighter stars having lower or negative magnitudes (e.g., Sirius at -2, Venus at -5, the Sun at -25). It concludes by relating these concepts to the celestial pole's position for observers in Durban.

Activities in South Africa

This section details activities undertaken by the International Sky Scouts in South Africa.

International Sky Scouts Day

On June 24th, a group of 30 enthusiasts embarked on a trip from Durban to World's View, Pietermaritzburg. Due to poor visibility, they relocated to Eagle Dam. After lunch, a 10-minute concentration exercise was practiced for a telepathic link. In the evening, two parties conducted observations through telescopes, but weather conditions were unfavorable. Despite no craft being observed, the outing was considered successful for team building. The day concluded with further observations at Umgeni-mouth.

Extracts from Observation Sheets over Last Three Months

• May 1967:
• May 1st, Durban: A silvery green 'object' was seen travelling swiftly northeast over Umgeni River Youth by two independent groups.
• May 23rd, Pietermaritzburg: A bright white 'object' with a tail was observed moving slowly across the sky during a full moon, disappearing below the horizon.

• June 1967:
• Johannesburg, May 20th: Miss R. Kok reported a bright star-like 'object' bouncing 'like a yoyo' near the moon.
• June 25th, Cape Town: Miss Lyle observed a strange flying 'object' high above False Bay, moving smoothly and swiftly in a perpendicular position, appearing like an upright tube with evenly distributed lights.
• June 25th, Cape Town: Another 'object' shaped like a tadpole, with a steel blue head and tail resembling red flames, travelled in an arch across the sky.
• June 21st, Durban: Lawrence Bates (age 14) reported an 'object' that moved rapidly, flashed a red light, appeared solid, and ascended to about 10,000 feet before disappearing.
• June 17th, Location unspecified: The Lansdell family observed a 'light' that moved slowly, became stationary, ascended, and disappeared. It later returned, dropped a bluish globe, and then both objects vanished. The report notes the reappearance of 'yoyo' and bouncing movements.

• July 1967:
• July 18th, Durban area: Mr. van Niekerk and his wife saw an elongated 'object' travelling incredibly fast, silently, and without visible lights, appearing bright and metallic.
• July 18th, Pinetown: Another 'object' was seen with a bright orange magnetic field.
• July 21st, Cowies Hill: A circular disc, brighter and larger than Venus, emitting a golden light, was spotted moving from south to west.

The section concludes by emphasizing the need for accurate records and welcoming photographs of UFOs. It also invites personal stories about contact with 'visitors' or 'Sky People.'

Extract from a Letter to the Chairman by Svinn Isth (I.S.S. Norway)

This letter from Norway states that UFO sightings are similar worldwide. The writer describes phenomena seen near the North Pole, some with natural explanations, but others that are strange and fantastic, believed to originate from intelligent worlds. The writer extends good wishes to the South African branch.

A Serial Story of Narciso Genovese's Book from a Lecture by Carl van Vlierde

This article recounts a story from Narciso Genovese's book 'Yo he Estado en Marte' (I have been on the Planet Mars), published in Mexico in 1958. The story details a purported event on October 12th, 1956, when a group of scientists left Earth in three spherical spacecraft for a journey to Mars, intending to spend five days there before returning.

The book was not translated into English but had a German translation. The author, Carl van Vlierde, has verified the story's contents with Karl Vleit, publisher for the German UFO Research Society. The narrative introduces Guglielmo Marconi, an inventor who believed in life on other worlds and experimented with sending radio signals and extracting energy from 'sun rays.'

According to the story, Marconi's pupils (126 in 1964) succeeded in utilizing solar energy to construct spacecraft. In 1952, they reportedly flew in Earth's atmosphere using this solar energy. These activities attracted the attention of extraterrestrial visitors. A fleet of five spacecraft visited their South American workshop laboratories. The beings who emerged were described as humanoid, over 6ft tall, with white skin, short blond hair, blue eyes, and wearing skin-tight suits. They indicated they were from Mars ('LOG' in their language) and offered to help build solar-powered space vehicles.

Martians returned four weeks later with six spacecraft, one shaped like a spinning top (180 ft diameter, 55 ft high), carrying raw materials. A team of Martian technicians remained to assist in preparing for a trip to Mars. The Martians apparently use solar energy (magnetic) through a simple method, an inexhaustible source. They have been studying Earth's surface since 1917.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the influence of cosmic forces on human affairs. The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry, encouraging the reporting of sightings and exploring speculative theories. There is a clear interest in scientific explanations (astronomy) alongside more esoteric concepts (cosmic energies, telepathic links). The International Sky Scouts position themselves as a network for documenting and discussing these phenomena, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts. The editorial tone is generally encouraging and inclusive, welcoming all stories, however incredible.

This issue of UFO Times, Volume 1, Issue 10, dated October 1956, focuses on a remarkable account of Martian exploration and contact. The cover headline boldly proclaims "MARS EXPLORATION: THE MARTIANS ARE HERE!", hinting at the sensational content within. The magazine is published by the International Space Society and appears to be based in South Africa, with notices for meetings in Durban and Johannesburg.

Martian Signals and Earth Presence

The narrative begins by recounting that in 1936, Guglielmo Marconi's experimental radio broadcasts were received on Mars. This event led to the planning of a new expedition from Mars to investigate the planet from which these signals originated. Following the setback caused by World War II, renewed efforts were made by the Martians to explore Earth. However, one such occasion ended in disaster when a fighter aircraft approached a Martian space-craft too closely, resulting in the aircraft's literal pulverization and the pilot's death. This incident deeply distressed the Martians.

The article reveals that as part of their survey, Martians have established an underground presence in major Earth capitals, including Washington, New York, Rome, London, and Paris. They possess knowledge of human language and various aspects of Earth life. The text also mentions the construction of three space-craft on Earth, in underground workshops located in the Andes, South America, with the assistance of Martian technicians. These craft were prepared for a long journey back to Mars.

The 1956 Expedition to Mars

On October 12, 1956, at 12 noon, these three spherical craft departed for Mars. The crew comprised nine Earth individuals: a Physician, an Astronomer, Technicians, two social workers, and the author, Marisc Genovese. The craft were well-provisioned and equipped with modern conveniences.

Initially, the three craft proceeded to the North Pole, arriving 55 minutes after their departure. The propulsion system of the space-craft is described as exerting thrust in the direction of the sun's rays, combined with the planet's magnetic field, which is strongest along its axis. This mechanism is credited with enabling the vertical ascent, repelling the spaceships away from Earth along its axis or magnetic poles.

The journey continued to the Moon, which is characterized as a world with hardly any atmosphere, a cold climate, and serving as a stopping station for interplanetary travelers. From the Moon, the crew of the three Earth space-ships transferred to a giant disc-shaped vessel. This vessel traveled in convoy with another eleven vessels from the Moon to Mars.

Martian Convoy and Arrival

The average speed of the convoy was an astonishing 3,000,000 miles per hour, significantly slower than the speed of light (570,000,000 miles per hour). Upon approaching Mars, satellite 'hobos' were sighted, referred to as SORT by the Martians. On the surface of Mars, islands, inland seas, and continents were visible. This convoy was not composed of small craft but was the Martians themselves, who had come to welcome the visitors from Earth. The entire population of Mars had been advised of the arrival, and many had come to meet the convoy.

Notices and Meetings

The magazine also includes a section for notices, detailing the dates of the next three meetings for the International Space Society in Durban: Saturday, September 30th; Thursday, October 26th; and Saturday, November 25th. There is no meeting scheduled for December. All meetings are held at 8 p.m. at the Centre, 3rd Floor, Prince of Wales Buildings, 380 Smith Street, Durban.

An announcement is made about a group of I.S.S. members gathering in Johannesburg in the near future. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Mrs. Neslie Schmutz at 17 Westneath Road, Park View, Johannesburg. The publication welcomes questions, suggestions, and articles in both English and Afrikaans, with acceptance subject to approval.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the confirmation of Martian presence and their advanced capabilities in space travel and technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting and promoting the possibility of extraterrestrial contact and exploration, encouraging public interest and participation through the International Space Society's activities. The narrative presents a detailed, albeit fantastical, account of interplanetary travel and interaction, suggesting a belief in the reality of these phenomena.