Skywatch - No 10 - 1969 09-11

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatch
Issue: No. 10
Date: Sept./Oct./Nov. 1969
Publisher: Contact (S.A.)
Type: Quarterly publication

Editorial: The New Age and Unity

The editorial for this issue, titled "EDITORIAL," posits that the current era is the "New Age" or "Age of enlightenment," characterized by rapid changes and the emergence of small groups in all fields of activity (Art, Science, Education, Religion) seeking new ideas and methods. The formation of these groups is seen as a very good sign, indicating a sincere effort for unity, where like-minded individuals work together for a common ideal, fostering tolerance, patience, co-operation, and goodwill. This process is described as the first step towards world union, ultimately leading to a "Brotherhood of Man."

As members of "Contact," the publication sees itself in a favorable position to contribute to this movement. Their aim is twofold: to present evidence of the existence of UFOs to the public and to seek knowledge and wisdom from more advanced beings to establish "PEACE ON EARTH." The movement is described as undenominational, non-political, and universal.

Book Review: "The Coming of the Guardians"

The magazine introduces a book titled "The Coming of the Guardians," which offers an interpretation of "Flying Saucers" from "the other side of life." The book is compiled by Meade Layne, National Director of The Borderland Science Associates, and was issued from their headquarters in San Diego, California. Material quoted from "Mark Probert Controls" is printed with permission. The fourth edition was printed in 1958.

Extracts from the Foreword are presented, aiming to concisely state the present situation regarding UFOs, the basic ideas involved, why people find them difficult to accept, and the sources of information. The Foreword suggests that modern civilization is confronted with inexplicable happenings, involving both danger and hope, but contemporary culture lacks the framework to understand these facts intelligently. The "incursion of the Aeroforms and the Space People" is stated to have begun its present phase about eight years prior, though similar events may have occurred in centuries past.

The Foreword criticizes the "ignorance, puerility, pseudo-scientific flubdub, the cackling silliness of the press and radio, and the bigotry and incompetence of authorities" that hinder acceptance. It estimates that less than a million out of 160 million people in the United States accept the existence of "saucers" and other aeroforms, and only a tenth of those are mentally prepared for impending events. The text attributes this "bog-down" to several reasons:

1. Metaphysical and Philosophical Ideas: The Western mind is pre-conditioned against incorporating such ideas into "science," even though speculative science often leads to metaphysics.
2. Speculative Science: The scientific ideas presented lack "text-book status" and are considered too speculative by technical science.
3. Source of Information: Explanations are sanctioned by "excarnate human beings" who communicate with living people, and "etheric beings," raising skepticism among the prejudiced and uninformed.
4. Orthodox Religion and Occultism: The "etheric or '4-D' explanation" is met with hostility by orthodox religionists and skepticism by many Western Occultists, highlighting an inadequacy in occult knowledge.
5. Effort to Think Anew: The visitation of aeroforms demands an effort to think in new terms and reject old, cherished ideas, which is difficult for the average human mind.

The Foreword emphasizes that the material should be considered on its merits, as science and metaphysics, and as the only explanation that "saves" all phases of the phenomena, regardless of its source.

"4-D" Theory and Communications

The article notes that the communications quoted are in the nature of informal conversation, not formal lectures. The ideas are restated from different angles, and while some expressions might seem contradictory, they usually become clear with reflection. The lack of scientific training in the intermediary, Mark Probert, makes precise communication difficult. Readers familiar with psychism and mediumship are expected to understand these matters more easily. A summary of the "4-D" theory is promised for the next issue.

Registration of "Contact - South Africa"

"Contact - South Africa" has been officially registered with the appropriate South African Government Department under the "protection of Names, Uniforms and Badges Act." This registration prevents other bodies from using the name "Contact-South Africa" or similar names that might mislead people into believing they are connected with the organization.

Article: Repeat Performance by Anton Fitzgerald

This article, reprinted from the Flying Saucer Review (May/June 1969), details two remarkable and almost identical UFO experiences by a South African pilot, Anton Fitzgerald, one in Natal and one in Texas. The article originally appeared in the South African aviation news magazine WINGS OVER AFRICA.

Natal Sighting

The first sighting occurred on a misty, calm morning in late June in the Natal midlands. Fitzgerald and the farm manager, Jock Marais, were walking down a hill towards the homestead. They observed a reddish glow on the runway, about 300 yards away. As they approached, the glow rose vertically into the air without sound. Simultaneously, sheep in a nearby paddock stood on tiptoe, facing the glow, and Fitzgerald and Marais experienced a peculiar feeling of weightlessness. A Zulu tractor driver, Ndolwana, also witnessed the event and appeared frightened.

Later, while performing a pre-flight check of Fitzgerald's Aero Commander, one sheep was found to be missing. The aeroplane took off, and Fitzgerald experienced an incredibly rapid ascent, feeling unusually light in his seat. The aircraft climbed at 1,000 ft. per minute, with popping ears, reaching clear air above the stratus. The vertical speed needle was at its maximum climb stop, and the altimeter needle spun clockwise. The experience lasted only a few seconds.

Texas Sighting

Approximately a year later, on June 15, Fitzgerald had a similar experience while flying with Jake Rugel in a MU2 turboprop over West Texas. As they approached San Angelo, they observed what appeared to be a vapor trail, which Fitzgerald identified as a "large met balloon with the pin colour coloured by the rising sun." Fitzgerald retrieved his camera to document the object.

Suddenly, the object, described as an "eerie pinkish glow, more intense in the centre," shot straight up into the sky. Fitzgerald asked Rugel to reduce power and descend. Rugel, stunned, complied. Fitzgerald described the event to Rugel, who listened disbelievingly. During the descent, the aircraft experienced a rapid climb, with the vertical speed needle hitting the maximum climb stop and the altimeter needle spinning clockwise, accompanied by a feeling of weightlessness, similar to the Natal incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a "New Age" perspective, emphasizing unity, peace, and the seeking of knowledge from advanced sources. It advocates for an open mind towards unconventional explanations for phenomena like UFOs, particularly the "etheric" or "4-D" theory, and criticizes societal resistance to new ideas. The publication positions itself as a conduit for evidence and wisdom, aiming to contribute to global peace. The articles highlight personal accounts of UFO encounters, lending anecdotal support to the magazine's overarching themes.

This issue of "YOUNG SKYWATCHERS", identified as Volume 11, Issue 11, dated June 21st-22nd, 1969, focuses on UFO phenomena, ancient legends, and astronomy. The cover headline "RED INDIANS FROM MARS" immediately signals a blend of the unexplained with historical and scientific topics.

Steer Missing: UFO Incidents and Folklore

The issue details two similar incidents involving cattle. In the first, a farmer prospect near a Natal farm reported a phenomenon where steers stood in a semi-circle in a paddock, accompanied by a pinkish glow and an absence of sound. One older steer went missing. A similar event occurred at a Texas ranch involving "white face" Hereford steers. In this case, the steers also formed a semi-circle with a pinkish glow and no sound, and one steer disappeared. A cowhand of Red Indian descent recounted an ancient folklore legend of the "red sun" appearing among buffalo herds, with some buffalo being carried away. The author notes common denominators in these experiences, including a reduction in gravity and a hypnotic attraction preventing animals from fleeing.

Essentials of Astronomy

Authored by Gregory Roberts, this section provides an overview of astronomy, focusing on nebulae. Nebulae are described as faint hazy clouds of light visible in the night sky, with their true beauty revealed in long exposure photographs. They are classified into two main types: galactic and extra-galactic. Galactic nebulae are closer and within the Milky Way, while extra-galactic nebulae lie at greater distances. Further divisions of galactic nebulae include Dark Nebulae (which obscure stars), Planetary Nebulae (generally circular), and Diffuse Nebulae (irregular in shape). Extra-galactic nebulae are more numerous and include Regular Nebulae (with regular symmetry) and Irregular Nebulae. The Andromeda Nebula is highlighted as a significant extra-galactic object, with its light taking 870,000 years to reach Earth. The Milky Way itself is described as a luminous belt of stars, composed of faint stars invisible to the naked eye, and resembling a spiral nebula.

Red Indians from Mars: An Ancient Legend

This section explores a theory connecting the Hopi Indians of Northern Arizona with Mars. It begins by referencing the excitement of the Moon landing and recent satellite photographs of Mars showing numerous canals. The article posits that an ancient Hopi legend explains the origin of these canals. According to the legend, the Hopis once lived in an underworld similar to Earth. When their crops failed due to drought, they sent a bluebird to explore the sky. The bluebird reported finding a land with much water. The Hopi chief then led his people on a journey through the sky to Northern Arizona. The theory suggests that the Hopis may have once lived on Mars, which is now a dry desert. To conserve water on Mars, they built canals, similar to how Egyptians used the Nile. The designs on their pottery, which are described as fascinating, are claimed to be the same as the layout of the canals on Mars, implying a Martian origin for the Hopi people and their knowledge.

Results of International Skywatching

This report details skywatching activities conducted over the weekend of June 21st-22nd, 1969, in South Africa and internationally. In Durban and Johannesburg, groups were formed, and a telepathic link was attempted. The Johannesburg group saw nothing directly, but a newspaper report mentioned a UFO sighting by a medical student. In Durban, observers at Giants Castle (7,400 ft.) saw an object that was motionless in the western sky for several hours before vanishing. They noted it did not move against the background of the mountains like stars do. Other groups in Himeville, Durban, and Westville saw nothing. The report emphasizes the potential of telepathy and encourages members to explore this avenue. Internationally, a sighting was reported near Rome, Italy, by five witnesses on Saturday evening. The issue notes that few sightings were reported for the period June to August.

Meetings for the Next Few Months, 1969

This section provides a schedule of upcoming meetings for the "Contact" group in various South African cities: Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and East London, with dates, times, and meeting places listed for September, October, November, and December 1969. Contact information for organizers and chairmen is also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unexplained phenomena (UFOs and mysterious events), the connection between ancient legends and modern scientific discoveries (particularly regarding Mars and the Hopi Indians), and the study of astronomy. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and curious, encouraging readers to consider unconventional theories and to participate in skywatching and telepathic exploration. The publication seems to foster a community of like-minded individuals interested in the mysteries of the universe and the potential for contact with extraterrestrial intelligence or phenomena beyond conventional understanding.