Skywatch - No 06 - 1968 09-11

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatch
Issue: No. 6
Date: September/October/November 1968
Publisher: Contact (S.A.)
Country: South Africa
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial

The editorial emphasizes the importance of belief in the possibility of extraterrestrial contact and the necessary qualities for achieving it: enthusiasm, perseverance, patience, and tolerance. It suggests that contact can be made through actual meetings or telepathy, and that persistent seekers will find answers. The editorial also stresses the need for tolerance towards those who do not yet believe in life on other planets, advocating for an open mind. Telepathy is presented as a 'New Age' communication method that can connect Earth with outer space and people on Earth with each other. The editorial notes that studies in this area will open new fields of endeavor and mentions the Johannesburg and Durban branches of Contact (S.A.) initiating a group to study and practice telepathy, using the book "Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle" by Alice A. Bailey. A new section, "Under Twelves," is introduced in "Skywatch" to engage the younger generation in U.F.O. activities, aiming to foster goodwill and wisdom for global unity and peace.

"Contact" by Philip Human

Philip Human's piece reflects on the word "Contact" as a goal for space-minded individuals worldwide. He contrasts the scientific approach of contacting other planets via rocket ship with the hope of flying saucer enthusiasts for a quicker journey. The core belief shared is the existence of life beyond Earth. Human acknowledges that interpretations of this life may vary but expresses certainty that the truth will be known. He notes that many people claim physical contact or travel with space people, while others remain silent. The article touches upon the unreliability of some past claims and photographs, but insists on the importance of continued investigation and skywatching. It suggests that space people might visit "Contact" meetings and would be welcomed in Durban. The author shares a poignant message attributed to two saucer pilots, expressing a desire for friendship and offering their knowledge to humanity, lamenting that they cannot land freely due to a lack of acceptance. They state, "WE COME ONLY IN PEACE!" and wish to bring happiness and peace, teaching better ways of living, questioning why Earth people are so different from other accepted planets. Another quote from a pilot expresses wonder at the difference in Earth's people while observing the Solar System.

Extraterrestrial Life and Beliefs

This section delves into the beliefs surrounding extraterrestrial life. One perspective suggests that Earth is the only inhabited planet, while another acknowledges the Creator's creation of numerous planets with intelligent life. A contrasting belief portrays inhabitants of other planets as deformed and hideous creatures intending harm. The text refutes this, asserting that all beings are created in the same image and possess physical bodies, capable of dying, feeling pain, and joy, contrary to the idea of spirits without flesh. It is stated that ancestors have visited many solar systems, and the inhabitants there have flesh and blood, resembling humans. The possibility of alien craft arriving in divisions is mentioned, with their knowledge being freely shared if humanity accepts them as friends. The author expresses a hope that Earth will eventually accept these beings as friends and brothers, urging readers to spread the news that flying saucers are real and that humanity has powerful, loving friends willing to share if accepted.

Essentials of Astronomy by Gregory Roberts

Gregory Roberts' article provides a guide for amateur observers interested in astronomy. It begins with observing the night sky with the unaided eye, estimating that 3,000 to 4,000 stars can be seen under good conditions. The observer can track planets, meteors, comets, and eclipses. A camera is recommended as a useful accessory for creating a star atlas, with instructions on using a tripod and bulb exposure for capturing stars. Kodak Tri X film and a 35 mm f/2.8 camera with a 10-second exposure can show stars as dots, while longer exposures result in star trails due to Earth's rotation. The article then discusses binoculars, recommending 7x50 for their field of view and magnification. It notes that binoculars with higher magnification, like 10x70, offer even better views. Telescopes are classified into two types: refractors (using lenses) and reflectors (using mirrors). While small refractors are available, good quality ones are expensive. The article highlights that many amateurs possess large telescopes (6-12 inches) because they are homemade reflectors, requiring patience and spare time. The writer shares his experience building a 6-inch telescope for about R20 and a month's work, recommending a 6 or 8-inch aperture for a first attempt, with 10 or 12 inches being the upper limit for handwork.

Flying Saucers or Space Ships for the Young Skywatchers

This section addresses the topic of flying saucers for younger readers, countering the notion that believers are "nuts." It states that "flying saucer" is a newspaper reporter's term, with the scientific name being "SPACE SHIP." Historical references to these craft include "VIMANA'S" in India hundreds of years ago, and "whirling discs" or "thunder clouds" seen by indigenous peoples in the Americas. Sightings are reported globally, including recent ones in South Africa. The article describes how these objects might appear: silver and glistening in the day, and as moving lights at night. Readers are encouraged to observe the sky, note the shape and size of any sightings, and send a "happy and welcome thought" to the visitors, who have come from afar and seek friends.

Sightings

The magazine includes a section detailing specific UFO sightings in South Africa during 1968:

• June 1, 1968, 6 a.m., Durban: Mr. and Mrs. van der Walt reported a UFO approximately 1,500 ft. over Durban for seven minutes. It was circular and pinkish-red, fading gradually.
• June 1, 1968, 10:30 a.m., Durban North: Dr. and Mrs. Duval observed a bright, silvery, stationary, and silent object in the sky that appeared and disappeared three times. Its apparent size was comparable to the full moon and one-third of its diameter.
• June 14, 1968, 5:30 p.m., Park Renie, South Coast, Natal: Miss Margaret Blamey witnessed an object travelling fast, then hovering and emitting white rays. It changed colors to red, blue, and green, shifted between triangle and circle shapes, and was observed for about 45 minutes. It had lights at both ends, giving it an elongated appearance.
• June 20, 1968, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Krugersdorp, Transvaal: Mr. Gerri Naude reported a UFO exhibiting various motions, including stationary periods and rapid acceleration. The object's light and color changed, and it was observed for 3/4 hour. Many people witnessed it, and one saw it break up and explode into blue-violet light near the Hartebeeshoek Observation Centre.
• July 5, 1968, Friday afternoon and evening (Translated from Die Volksblad): UFOs were sighted over numerous towns in the Northern Cape, Orange Free State, and Transvaal. The objects appeared yellowish-white to orange with a dark central patch, measuring ten to thirteen feet in diameter. Some observers saw them hovering and travelling slowly, including near Jagersfontein and at an altitude of approximately 6000 feet in Bethlehem.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pursuit of extraterrestrial contact, the nature of UFOs and their occupants, and amateur astronomy. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, encouragement of investigation, and a belief in the possibility of peaceful contact with advanced civilizations. There is a strong emphasis on tolerance and a desire to foster understanding between humanity and potential visitors from other worlds. The magazine also aims to educate its readers on astronomical observation and the reality of flying saucers, particularly for a younger audience.

This document consists of two pages, numbered 11 and 12, from an issue of a publication titled 'Contact'. The content focuses on UFO sightings and organizational announcements, specifically upcoming meetings.

UFO Sighting News Coverage

Page 11 discusses the media coverage of a particular UFO sighting. It notes that the sighting received coverage on only one S.A.B.C. newscast and was subsequently met with "complete silence" from other media outlets. The publication highlights that only "the above newspaper and one weekly newspaper" reported the event as a significant news item, congratulating them for their coverage.

The publication actively solicits reports from its readers, stating: "Please send in all sightings to the local branch of 'Contact' or to Headquarters, P.O. Box 2320, Durban. We are very keen to have these reports. Thank you in advance!"

Organization Meetings and Notices

Page 12 contains a section titled "NOTICES" and details "MEETINGS FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS."

Durban Meetings:

• Dates: September 28th (Saturday), October 31st (Thursday), November 30th (Saturday).
• December: NO MEETING.
• Meeting Place: "The Centre", Prince of Wales Building, 3rd Floor, Smith Street, Durban.
• Time: 7.30 p.m.

Johannesburg Meetings:

• Dates: September 2nd (Monday), October 7th, November 4th, December 2nd.
• Meeting Place: 17, Westmeath Road, Parkview, Johannesburg.
• Time: 8.00 p.m.

New Member Information:

For new individuals interested in the organization, the notice advises: "If you are new, please phone Mrs. Neslie Schmutz of this address and advise her of your interest."

Correspondence Address:

The general correspondence address for the organization is provided as: Secretary, P.O. Box 2320, Durban.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in these pages are the reporting and investigation of UFO phenomena and the active engagement of members through scheduled meetings. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging public participation in reporting sightings and fostering a community through organized gatherings. The publication seems to act as a hub for UFO enthusiasts in South Africa, specifically in Durban and Johannesburg.