Skywatch - No 24 - 1973 03-05

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatch
Issue: No. 24
Date: March/April/May, 1973
Type: Quarterly Magazine of Contact (S A)

Editorial: The Importance of Balance

The editorial opens with a lighthearted anecdote about the difference between an elephant and a flying saucer, highlighting the often-unexplained nature of UFOs. The author admits that despite years of study, tangible evidence of extraterrestrial spacecraft remains elusive, and scientific understanding often lags behind new concepts. The U.F.O. phenomenon is described as ancient, leading research into a sphere of intangibles. It is suggested that if this sphere is understood, it must become a guarded secret due to global power rivalries, where any available power would be used in a confrontation. The 'guardians of this planet' are aware of this, keeping knowledge 'closed' except for gradual release to aid humanity's understanding of the 'next dimension of Life'.

The editorial posits that the interpenetration of spheres will prove the unity of life, leading to the application of new laws. The power derived from this understanding can only be handled by responsible individuals. UFO phenomena and miracles are seen as meeting points between dimensions, with the understanding of higher laws remaining a secret. The author encourages aspiring to greater understanding and raising vibrational quality.

A humorous distinction is made between a fourth-dimensional saucer and a three-dimensional elephant, with the answer being 'One D', signifying the difference between life and death, perfection and corruption.

A quote from Galileo concludes the section: "The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent upon it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do."

The Importance of Balance by Hon. Brinsley le Poer Trench

This article delves into the vast and complex subject of UFOs, addressing several key questions that arise for researchers.

First Problem: Origin of UFOs

Several theories are presented for where UFOs emanate from:
1. From our own solar system or further afield in our galaxy and universe.
2. From invisible universes possibly interpenetrating our own.
3. From the depths of the oceans (referencing Ivan Sanderson's "Invisible Residents").
4. From somewhere in Time (Time Travellers).
5. From the center of the Earth (Hollow Earth Theory), with entrances in the North and South polar regions.
6. A mixture of the above.

Second Problem: Descriptions of Alien Entities

Hundreds of reported landings have resulted in varied descriptions of visitors, including naked giants, alleged Venusians, humanoid robot-like types, entities with high cheekbones and slit eyes, hairy dwarfs, and the 'birdman' described by John Keel. The variety suggests different points of origin, but warnings are given about entities employing tricks.

Third Problem: Friendliness or Hostility of Visitors

Four viewpoints are discussed:
1. All ufonauts are friendly (like those Adamski met).
2. Most are hostile, and humanity is already being taken over mentally.
3. A long-term scientific investigation is being carried out, with visitors being neutral.
4. A battle is ongoing between forces of good and evil, with both friendly and hostile entities present.

Fourth Problem: Historical Sightings and Human Origins

Flying objects have been seen throughout history, with references to works by Desmond Leslie, H.T. Wilkins, M.K. Jessup, Arthur Constance, and Le Poer Trench. Charles Fort's statement that "we were owned" is mentioned, and the possibility that space visitors are the "missing link" to Darwin's theory, as suggested by Otto Binder, is explored. The Genesis verses suggesting interbreeding between visitors and mankind are also cited, implying a proprietary interest in humanity.

Fifth Problem: Abductions, Examinations, and Men in Black

Stories of abductions (planes, people, cattle, sheep), medical examinations (Barney Hill case), sexual experiences (Antonio Villas Boas case), teleportation cases (Gordon Creighton's articles), and the controversial reports of Men in Black who allegedly harass researchers are mentioned. The article aims to summarize these undecided problems, questioning whether the truth about UFOs will ultimately be beneficial or harmful.

The author advocates for an open mind, suggesting that ideas, however bizarre, should be stored and may be validated later, adhering to the scientific method. It is emphasized that visitors may be thousands of years ahead in technology and ESP.

"Goodies" and "Baddies"

The article warns against viewing the subject solely through limited present knowledge. It acknowledges both friendly and hostile UFO reports, citing the incident of soldiers being burnt at Fort Itaipu in Brazil as an example of hostility. Both benevolent and hostile ufonauts are believed to possess advanced technology and ESP powers. The "baddies" are noted for their tricks, including pretending to be "goodies". The mediumistic realm is identified as particularly dangerous, with a warning about charlatans and sincere mediums who may not protect themselves, allowing "false prophets" to speak through them. The proliferation of magazines in the U.S.A. publishing "messages of Light" from entities like Ashtar is highlighted.

The author expresses high regard for John A. Keel's thinking but does not necessarily agree with all his views. Keel is credited with exposing fake messages.

Maintaining Balance in Research

Students of the UFO phenomenon are urged to retain balance. Researchers must exercise care and discretion when disseminating purported messages from alleged space entities received through mediums. While acknowledging the possibility of genuine entities like Ashtar, the author cautions against numerous conflicting messages. The importance of both the "nuts and bolts" (physical) and the spiritual, metaphysical, and philosophical aspects of the subject, including ESP, is stressed. The need for a sense of balance is paramount, urging readers not to get carried away by any single aspect, especially mediumistic messages, which could be dangerous. Dr. Allen Hynek's emphasis on specialization in various aspects of the subject is mentioned, but the overall picture must be kept in perspective.

*(Note: The article by Hon. Brinsley le Poer Trench is published instead of the usual feature "You and Me". The next article will be "You and Me" in Skywatch No. 25.)*

Sightings Over Southern Africa

This section details several UFO sightings and incidents:

• 12.11.1972, Middelburg (Eastern Cape): A UFO moved over the town, changing color (white to red and blue) and shape. It appeared to land near a tennis court, tearing huge holes in the surface, with the largest hole measuring about 4 meters long and 1 meter wide. Five holes were found in a half-circle pattern.
• 17.11.1972, Middelburg (Eastern Cape): A glowing ball of light was observed descending. Two metre-tall beings emerged, carrying torch-like objects, and then disappeared with the ball. The area was lit up as if daylight. No trace was found.
• 21.11.1972, Cape Town: A UFO with a bright blue flashing light and a loud "swishing" sound was seen moving among trees. A maid reported seeing a luminous object.
• 27.12.1972, Somerset West: An engineer and his wife reported an orange-red, oval-shaped object travelling at tremendous speed. It was observed below patchy clouds and veered south before disappearing.
• 7.2.1973: An unidentified flying object flew alongside an aircraft at a speed of 850 Km/hour for some time before disappearing.
• 9.2.1973, Durban: A chandelier-shaped object, described as a jagged circle of light, was spotted moving slowly over the town and then ascending before disappearing.
• Rhodesia: A spate of UFO sightings was reported. Five were seen over Salisbury in October, four more in November, and several in December, a significant increase from the previous year.
• December (Year unspecified), Uitenhage (Eastern Cape): A mysterious circle, about 3 meters in diameter, covered in fine brown dust with a smaller inner circle of grey powder, appeared on a lawn. Imprints were found in the center. A neighbour heard a commotion, and police investigated.

Daffy Definitions

• Witch: flying sorcerer.
• Meteorologist: one who whethers a storm.
• Prayer: ground to air missal.
• Earthquake expert: a fault-finder.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery and complexity of UFO phenomena, the diverse theories attempting to explain their origins and the nature of the entities involved, and the importance of balanced, critical research. The editorial stance strongly advocates for a cautious approach, emphasizing the need to consider all aspects of the subject—physical, spiritual, and psychological—without succumbing to sensationalism or unverified claims, particularly those received through mediumship. The magazine appears to be a platform for discussing various UFO-related topics, from eyewitness accounts to theoretical discussions, aiming to foster a comprehensive understanding within its readership.

This issue, titled "IN PASSING", features several short articles and a book review, covering topics related to space exploration, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and speculative theories about UFOs.

Space Exploration and SETI The issue notes the conclusion of the Apollo 17 moonflights and the upcoming launch of NASA's Skylab project in April. Skylab is intended for scientific, engineering, and biochemical experiments, with instruments designed to gather data on solar events and potentially detect signs of life beyond Earth. The question of extraterrestrial life is presented as a topic of increasing interest.

In September 1971, the world's first Conference on Communication with Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence was held in Soviet Armenia. The conference attracted leading radio-astronomers, physicists, and biologists from various countries, including Dr. Frank Drake and Russia's Dr. Vsevolod Troitsky, who are actively involved in searching for alien intelligence. This exchange of ideas is seen as a precursor to a pooling of resources and technology, exemplified by the announcement of a US-Russian joint space flight in 1975, commanded by astronaut Thomas Stafford. The article poses the question of whether knowledge of other civilizations might foster brotherhood on Earth.

It is revealed that the Soviet Union is undertaking an extensive sky watch, focusing its search on 50 nearby stars. Furthermore, the Russians are preparing a major astronomical project in the Northern Caucasus, including the world's largest optical telescope on Mount Semirodniki and a 600-meter diameter radio telescope at Terenchug, aimed at detecting faint signals from distant stars and maintaining long-range space communications.

Views on UFOs and Cosmic Evolution A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a book review of Ivan T. Sanderson's "UNINVITED VISITORS". Sanderson proposes that the greater part of the UFO phenomenon is a biological matter. He calls these objects U.A.O.s (Unexplained Aerial Objects) and suggests they exhibit characteristics of animation, volition, and intelligent control. He draws parallels between photographed aerial forms and unicellular life-forms like amoebas, and suggests that UFO movements might be understood through the lens of biological knowledge, such as that of viruses. Sanderson theorizes that UFOs might not be manufactured machines but cosmic life-forms with their own patterns of existence, or perhaps a combination where extra-terrestrials construct machines along biological lines. He also considers the possibility that intelligences can breed or create life-forms biochemically.

Sanderson speculates that extraterrestrial civilizations may have already achieved the ability to create "living machines" and other entities. He raises the question of whether UFOs themselves could be alive and what their occupants might be, suggesting they could be robots, either mechanical or biological, directed remotely by overlords.

The enigma of the human form in relation to extraterrestrials is also explored. Sanderson questions why these beings might resemble humans, proposing either that the human body is the logical form for intelligent existence or that humans are off-spring of extraterrestrials. He also mentions "men in black" and gypsies who resemble humans but are not.

In his final chapter, "A concept of cosmic evolution," Sanderson uses the life cycle of a moth as an analogy for human evolution. He suggests that earthlings are currently in a "chrysalis stage" and may evolve into an "ultimate parental form," free from gravity and energy conservation, capable of visiting other worlds and repeating the creative cycle. He posits that Unexplained Aerial Objects might represent a future form or spaceship.

Dr. Vsevolod Troitsky is quoted by author Henry Gris, expressing skepticism about UFO sightings being proof of extraterrestrial reconnoitring, viewing them instead as natural phenomena embellished by imaginative minds, though he does not rule out future reconnoitring. He emphasizes that theories must be based on observations.

Meetings and Miscellaneous The issue includes a section detailing meetings for the "Contact" group in Durban, Johannesburg, East London, and Cape Town for March, April, and May. Contact information for organizers in each city is provided, along with a general correspondence address in Durban.

Several short, unrelated quotes are included: David Ben-Gurion's statement, "People who do not believe in miracles are not realists"; a church notice board's message, "Conquer inner space"; and an astronomer's exclamation, "My heavens!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing exploration of space, the scientific and speculative search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the biological interpretation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various scientific endeavors alongside more speculative theories about life, evolution, and the nature of unidentified aerial objects, encouraging readers to consider new perspectives.