Skywatch

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatch
Issue: No. 22
Date: Sept./Oct./Nov. 1972
Publisher: Contact (S.A.)
Country: South Africa
Language: English

This issue of Skywatch, a quarterly publication from South Africa, delves into the ongoing enigma of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The content reflects a growing interest in ufology, exploring both theoretical explanations for UFO phenomena and documenting numerous reported sightings.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "EDITORIAL.", addresses the persistent ignorance and mistrust from the establishment regarding unexplained flying objects. It draws a parallel to John the Baptist, suggesting a need for individuals to prepare for new understandings of life. The piece critiques the tendency to elevate partial truths to absolute worship, likening it to a "cult" or "cul-de-sac." It argues that the "Establishment," representing the limitations of human understanding, resists change that challenges established patterns. The editorial emphasizes that a limited understanding of our origins and destiny, driven by fear of the unknown, prevents acceptance of a broader cosmic perspective.

"You and Me" Column by Brinsley Le Poer Trench

Brinsley Le Poer Trench, International Chairman of Contact, contributes a column titled "YOU AND ME." He invites readers to engage in a forum for exchanging ideas, aiming to "put Contact into action." Trench acknowledges the fascination surrounding UFOs and the evolving nature of ufology. He discusses the shift in popular belief from the "E.T. theory" (UFOs originating from extra-terrestrial sources) to the "Parallel Universe" concept. While acknowledging the vast distances involved in the ET theory, he argues against discarding it entirely. Trench references prominent astronomers like Dr. Harlow Shapley and Sir Bernard Lovell who postulate the existence of numerous inhabited planets. He highlights the astronomical distances, such as Proxima Centauri being 26 million million miles away, and the perceived impossibility of faster-than-light travel based on Einstein's theories.

However, Trench introduces the idea that the final word on faster-than-light travel might not be Einstein's. He credits Ivan T. Sanderson, a biologist and author, with revealing that Einstein's concept of infinite mass at the speed of light was misunderstood. Professor John A. Wheeler of Princeton University is also cited for his research suggesting that reaching the stars could be possible almost instantaneously once the "know-how" is developed, possibly through a concept termed "Superspace," where Time and Space do not exist. Trench relates this to his own book, "Forgotten Heritage," where he postulated a similar idea about the physical universe being derived from original cosmic ones. He concludes that UFOs could indeed be visitors from other planets, given the possibility of interstellar travel.

UFO Sightings in South Africa

The magazine presents a resume of UFO sightings reported in South Africa, following a period of reported "saucer flaps" in Britain and Yugoslavia. The reports span from June to July 1972 and detail numerous encounters:

• June 25, 1972 (Port Elizabeth): A couple observed a bright incandescent white flying object that plunged downwards before gliding off.
• June 26, 1972 (Fort Beaufort): An object described as a ball of fire, approximately 1 meter in diameter, frequently changed color (red, green, yellow, white) while hovering at tree-top height. The owner fired a .303 rifle at it, and a star-like protuberance was noted. After being hit, the object stopped changing color and became gunmetal. Police also fired at it with no effect.
• July 1, 1972 (Wellington, Cape): A soundless object, smaller than an aircraft, was seen shining with a whitish flickering light.
• July 3, 1972 (Durban): A bright object zig-zagged and moved up and down over the sea, fading into an outline before disappearing.
• July 4, 1972 (East London): A UFO was seen "hanging" over a house, disappeared, reappeared, and then flew off.
• July 5, 1972 (Durban): A pinkish object, changing shape and color, was observed hanging over the sea and disappeared before sunrise.
• July 5, 1972 (Kimberley): A "ball of fire" that changed color was seen hovering over the Orange River Station, shot off, reappeared an hour later, and then flew off.
• July 6, 1972 (Port Elizabeth): An egg-shaped light flashed and jerked in the sky. Photographs showed the object changing shape and a second object appearing like a banana of light. The objects emitted red, white, and green lights.
• July 7, 1972 (Port Elizabeth): An object similar to the one photographed on the 6th was observed.
• July 10, 1972 (Welkom): 25 people sighted a UFO.
• July 11, 1972 (Durban): A circular, flashing, scintillating object hovered high up, changed direction, and moved off after 15 minutes.
• July 13, 1972 (Durban): Firemen watched a white object that glowed and flickered, coming very fast and flying inland.
• July 16, 1972 (Odendaalsrus): A bright balloon-like object was seen over a farm, changing color and brightness before disappearing.
• July 19, 1972 (Durban): The entire staff of the Police Radio Station saw a UFO hovering over the city for hours. Described as a large bright star, it seemed to spin, change color, and then rose straight up and disappeared.
• July 20, 1972 (Durban): Dozens of people saw a dome-shaped object that seemed to shoot sparks. Sightings were also reported from Oribi Airport.
• July 21, 1972 (Empangeni): A UFO was watched for an hour, changing colors and giving off flashes like bursts of flame.
• July 21, 1972 (Tongaat): Police spotted a bright object changing colors as it moved over the sea.
• July 22, 1972 (Durban): Many reports of glowing objects seen over the harbour.
• July 22, 1972 (Pietermaritzburg): Travelers were confronted by a giant dazzling white light blocking the road, which then shot straight up and vanished.
• July 25, 1972 (Empangeni): A rainbow-colored object was sighted.
• July 29, 1972 (Umtata): Rev. Holman and a dozen others saw a UFO "as big as the full moon" trailing sparks and changing colors.

Crop Circle Discovery

The issue concludes with a report of a potential UFO landing trace near Durban on July 29th. A man discovered a flattened, circular patch in a sugar cane field, approximately 12 feet in diameter, with well-defined edges. The sugar cane within the ring was flattened, while the surrounding cane was about 10 feet high. Two smaller circles were found outside the main ring, possibly indicating leg supports. This discovery is presented as a significant event, with the Durban Chairman of Contact investigating the site.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of UFO phenomena, the debate between extraterrestrial and parallel universe origins, the scientific possibilities of space travel, and the reporting of numerous specific sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to move beyond the limitations of established beliefs and embrace new understandings, while also acknowledging the skepticism faced by ufologists. The magazine actively promotes the idea that UFOs are a serious subject worthy of investigation and that the public should be receptive to unconventional explanations.

This issue, identified as number 10 and dated 1972, is titled "U.F.O.'s OVER THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE" and is published by Hampton Press from Australia. It features a cover headline of the same title and is priced at R1.00.

Ray From Beyond Our Galaxy

Physicists from Melbourne University and Case Western Reserve have announced the detection of a gamma ray source believed to originate from a variable star outside our galaxy, designated A.P. Lib. This announcement follows a similar disclosure by Russian scientists who detected a gamma ray source from the variable galaxy 3C.120. Both findings were presented at the 12th International Cosmic Ray conference in Hobart, Tasmania. If confirmed, these represent the first detection of such extraterrestrial ray sources, comparable in significance to the discoveries of radio galaxies in 1950 and x-ray galaxies in 1960. The Australian/US detection was made using a spark chamber in a balloon gondola approximately 18 months prior, while the Russian discovery utilized special gamma ray telescopes aboard two cosmos satellites. The article thanks "Heralds of the New Age, New Zealand" for the information.

In Passing: Astronomy and Esoteric Views

This section discusses humanity's fascination with the night sky and the differing perspectives of astronomers, astrologers, and the general public. It notes the tremendous progress in modern astronomy but also suggests that much was known by earlier civilizations and the "Ancient Wisdom." Esoteric teachings posit that the moon is a "dead form" and an obstruction, and that many constellations and planets remain undiscovered by science. The article expresses excitement about astronomers potentially discovering a tenth planet, "Planet X," spurred by irregularities in Neptune's orbit. Joseph L. Brady of the University of California is credited with potentially finding this planet by analyzing historical data of Halley's Comet. Brady's analysis of the comet's erratic behavior, showing variations of up to four days in its arrival time, suggests an unknown gravitational force. His computer models of a ten-planet solar system led to the description of Planet X as being three times the mass of Saturn, nearly 6 billion miles from the sun, with a 464-year orbit and a retrograde motion tilted at approximately 60 degrees. The hope is that a sharp-eyed astronomer will eventually detect it on photographic plates. The section concludes by posing a hypothetical scenario comparing UFOs to phenomena in the ocean depths, questioning how deep-sea denizens might perceive human exploration.

U.F.O.'s OVER THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE Book Review

This section reviews the book "U.F.O.'s OVER THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE" by Michael Hervey. The book is described as a well-documented history of UFOs in New Zealand and Australia, with positive reviews and research spanning twenty years. Hervey reportedly found the first reference to UFOs in an ancient Indian transcript dating back to 3,000 B.C., describing them as "sky ships." The review lists several prominent individuals who have expressed belief in UFOs, including Lord Dowding, former President Truman, Professor Harry Mersel, Dr. Walter Riedel, and Dr. Harlow Shapley. Hundreds of sightings by pilots, scientists, doctors, and policemen are also cited. The book mentions frequent sightings over military installations, including one at Australia's largest bomber base at Amberley in 1965. An incident involving the Apollo 8 capsule is detailed: on December 29th, 1968, the crew of a Pan American Boeing 707 flying into Sydney sighted the capsule after its moon return, observing a "curious red and yellow object" flying underneath it, which disappeared quickly. The book is available as a paperback for R1.00, obtainable by post from Hampton Press in Australia. The review also briefly mentions Erich von Daniken's "Chariots of the Gods?" as another relevant book.

Extract from "THE STORY OF THE HUMAN AURA"

This section includes an extract from "THE STORY OF THE HUMAN AURA" by G.S. White, M.D., Ph.d., L.L.D., F.R.S.A. (London). It uses the analogy of ants instructing unborn ants through egg touch to suggest that humans, if they could "wireless" their desires, might communicate with distant planets via energy from their hearts.

Meetings for the Next Few Months, 1972

This section provides a schedule of meetings for Durban, Johannesburg, and East London for September, October, and November 1972. Contact information is provided for Mrs. Elizabeth Klarer in Johannesburg and Mrs. Una Ryder-Clark in East London for further meeting details. The general correspondence address is Secretary, P.O. Box 743, Durban.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), astronomical discoveries, and speculative theories about extraterrestrial life and ancient civilizations. The editorial stance appears to be open to the existence of UFOs, presenting evidence and testimonies from various sources, including scientific reports and historical accounts. There is an interest in bridging scientific findings with more esoteric or ancient knowledge, as seen in the discussion of astronomy and the extract on human aura. The publication seems to aim at informing readers about current events and theories in the UFO and related fields, particularly those relevant to the Southern Hemisphere.