Skywatch - No 26 - 1973 09-11

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatch
Issue: No. 26
Date: September/October/November 1973
Publisher: CONTACT S.A.
Country: South Africa
Language: English

This issue of Skywatch, a quarterly publication of 'CONTACT' (S.A.), focuses on the enigmatic nature of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and their potential connection to concepts beyond conventional physics, such as the fourth dimension and interplanetary travel.

Editorial: The Aims and Objects of Contact

The editorial posits that the primary goal of contact with UFOs and their occupants is to foster a deeper understanding of the universe and its inhabitants, thereby promoting greater freedom. It contrasts the immense difficulty and cost of human interplanetary travel, battling gravity and operating outside a natural environment, with the implied ease of UFO movement. The editorial suggests that universal forces should work in harmony with humanity, akin to a bird in air, and that a rapid awakening to this principle is occurring. It advocates for seeking a more subtle way to utilize the universe's free power, beyond the law of action and reaction.

The editorial further explores the idea that all existence is related to a single principle, accessible through understanding. The smooth and swift movement of UFOs suggests they operate under an unknown law, pointing towards a metaphysical realm rather than physical laws. It criticizes material scientists for their reluctance to accept metaphysical or spiritual conclusions without physical proof, while acknowledging the ongoing search for understanding higher energy fields. The piece concludes that true understanding requires recognizing the relationship between the Universal Mind and humanity, and that religion and science will converge when the concept of 'all is related to One' is scientifically verified and understood, leading to a revolution in awareness and the potential to shape the world according to our highest ideals.

Holes in Space: Gone Without Trace Into The Fourth Dimension

This section details several baffling incidents of unexplained disappearances. It begins with the authentic report of a Lancastrian Star Plane from England that vanished after a radio message to Santiago Flight Tower, with no wreckage found. Another case involves a military plane that disappeared after reporting unusual atmospheric conditions and an impact. The text notes that five additional planes sent to search also vanished. The area is now avoided by ships and aircraft due to numerous disappearances. The article also references strange cases of ocean-going vessels found adrift and empty, drawing a parallel to the historical mystery of the "Marie Celeste."

A particularly intriguing incident recounts the appearance of a man in Times Square, New York, in June 1950. The man, dressed in attire from many years prior, appeared suddenly, was disoriented by the electric signs, and was subsequently killed by a taxi. His clothes yielded a livery bill and old currency, leading to an investigation that traced him to Rudolph Fentz, who had mysteriously disappeared in 1876. The article highlights the 74-year time lapse, questioning where Fentz had been during that period.

This case was reportedly explained in 1969 through a channeled message from 'Myron of the Ashtar Command' via Marian Hartill. The explanation involves the concept of spheres representing dimensions: the inner sphere as the third dimension and the outer sphere as the fourth. Holes in these turning spheres allow passage between dimensions. Individuals entering these 'vapour-like vacuum' holes in the fourth dimension atmosphere become disoriented and may die of fright or live in a stupor-like state, unable to find their way back.

Quote

"I think the beings from outer space may not be very interested in our primitive civilization. After all, how many skin divers talk to fish?"

Speaker: Dr. Stanton Friedman, Nuclear Physicist, U.S.A.

CONTACT S.A. CONFERENCE

Date: August, 1973

The second National Contact Conference was held at the Everglades Hotel, Lions River, in the foothills of the Drakensberg, from August 10th-12th, 1973. Delegates attended from Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, with regrets expressed over the absence of representatives from Cape Town and East London due to distance. The conference hosted 29 adults and 4 children, primarily from Johannesburg. A warm welcome was extended to two Pretoria members who arrived during a snowstorm.

The conference was described as inspiring and stimulating, featuring discussions, group meditations, and a talk by Mrs. Elizabeth Klarer, Chairman of the Johannesburg group. Pleasant walks and chats by a log fire were enjoyed. The snow prompted a suggestion for 'Skywatching weekends' to be held in summer. The International Chairman of Contact, Mr. Brinsley le Poer Trench, has agreed in principle to organize a summer skywatching week for the southern hemisphere.

The event fostered harmony and fellowship, and the idea of an annual Contact Conference was heartily endorsed, with participants feeling they had received love, light, and fellowship.

Book Review: "THE U.F.O. EXPERIENCE" By J. Allen Hynek

This review discusses Dr. J. Allen Hynek's book, detailing his involvement as an astronomical consultant for Project Blue Book starting in 1952. Hynek initially aimed to scientifically debunk UFOs but found himself increasingly aware of emerging patterns in sightings. The review highlights Hynek's observation that the consistency in UFO reports worldwide suggests they are not purely figments of imagination, as scientific study requires patterns and repeatability.

The book critiques the unscientific methods employed by the Air Force in Project Blue Book and the prejudice of its investigators. It also criticizes the Condon report and the subsequent closure of Project Blue Book by the U.S. Government, which effectively ended official UFO investigations. Dr. E. Condon, who headed the Condon committee, is quoted expressing skepticism about UFOs.

Hynek exposes the scientific world's tendency to dismiss phenomena that don't fit existing paradigms, summarized as "It can't be, therefore it isn't." He notes that the lack of detailed facts in most UFO reports has deterred scientists. The review concludes by recommending Hynek's book as essential for maintaining a balanced perspective on the UFO question and for those who might dismiss ufologists as "cranks."

Book News

In December 1969, the American Association for the Advancement of Science held a symposium on Unidentified Flying Objects, involving scientists, psychiatrists, a sociologist, and a psychologist. The findings were published in a book edited by Carl Sagan and Thornton Page, titled "U.F.O.s - A Scientific Debate," which is expected to be available in South Africa.

Stop Press

The National Committee of 'Contact' South Africa has invited the International Chairman, the Hon. Brinsley le Poer Trench, for a lecture tour in South Africa, which will also include Rhodesia. Mr. le Poer Trench, who is touring the United States in early 1974, is expected to visit South Africa during their winter period. The organization hopes members will contribute to the expenses of this tour.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of UFOs, the possibility of phenomena extending beyond known physical laws (such as the fourth dimension and time displacement), and the need for serious, objective scientific investigation into these matters. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, advocating for a deeper understanding of the universe and humanity's place within it, and encouraging a shift from purely materialistic scientific approaches to those that embrace metaphysical and spiritual dimensions. There is a clear advocacy for the 'Contact' movement's goals of expanding consciousness and understanding universal principles.

This document, identified as page 11 of a publication titled "SIGHTINGS OVER SOUTH AFRICA", details numerous unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings reported in South Africa during June and July 1973. It also includes a section on the psychological impact of space travel, particularly lunar missions, on astronauts, and a brief overview of current and planned space exploration initiatives.

UAP Sightings in South Africa

The issue meticulously records several distinct UAP encounters:

Durban (18.6.1973)

Mr. Peter Mostert, his wife, and two sons witnessed a large, bright yellow circle of light at approximately 6:15 p.m. The object ascended above Howard College, drifted towards Westville, rose at a right angle, and vanished. Subsequently, a bright light, moving very fast from Southwest to Northeast, traversed the sky. This primary object was followed by six other lights, evenly spaced, with one slightly higher, flying in formation before veering out of sight. On the same evening, a couple in The Bluff observed a bright object moving across the sky around 6:00 p.m.

Springs (28.6.1973)

Mr. and Mrs. I. Roberts returned home at 9:15 p.m. to find a saucer-shaped object, approximately three meters high and wide, with a dome on top, resting on their backyard lawn. As Mr. Roberts approached, the object emitted a low-pitched drone, ascended, released thick smoke, and shone with a bright orange light, disappearing into the sky surrounded by a haze.

Pretoria (8.7.1973)

During the final night of "Skywatching Week," Mr. Walter Beck and Mr. P. Besaans reported observing six unusual, large, bright, and round objects that appeared to travel at tremendous speeds within a one-hour period.

Cape Town (8.7.1973)

Four members of the "Contact" organization's Cape Town branch were skywatching at Du Toit's Kloof at 9:00 p.m. They observed a bright golden object over the mountains. Later, while driving to the top of the pass, they saw another bright golden object approaching. Upon flashing their car lights, the object seemed to enlarge. It resembled a four-cornered star. As it veered left and turned, a dark outline of a superstructure became visible. The rear of this superstructure glowed red, with a blinking red light in the center, while the front leading edge emitted an incandescent gold-colored light.

White River (E.Tvl.) (19.7.1973)

Around 9:25 p.m., Dr. J. Marais and two colleagues observed a bright object through binoculars. The object displayed a bright blue light that shifted to red as it traveled from north to south, remaining visible for about ten minutes. Dr. Marais, a pilot with years of skywatching experience, had previously reported a sighting in April.

General Cape Sightings

The Chairman of the Cape Town branch of "Contact" informed the publication of numerous other interesting sightings in the Cape, including cigar-shaped and orb-shaped craft emitting flames. These have also been seen near Melkbosch, where a nuclear power station was planned. The article notes the discovery of uranium in the Beaufort West area in this context.

Astronaut Psychology and Lunar Influence

Pages 14 and 15 delve into the psychological effects experienced by Apollo lunar astronauts. The article posits that many astronauts have undergone significant changes in their psyche after their missions. Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon, reportedly sought psychiatric help due to the intense publicity. James Irwin, the sixth man, experienced a religious conversion and became an evangelist. Ed Mitchell, command pilot of Apollo 14, stated a lifelong commitment to studying consciousness and ESP, noting his ability in thought transference since his moonwalk. He believes in intelligent extraterrestrial life but not necessarily in a form recognizable within our solar system.

The author, A. Warcup, writing in "Viewpoint Aquarius," suggests that the moon, considered a "sidereal corpse" from an earlier evolutionary stage, exerts a subtle influence on human nature. This influence, akin to the intense psychic forces affecting spiritual disciples, brings latent qualities to the surface. Close proximity to the moon, as experienced by astronauts, appears to amplify their strengths and weaknesses, bringing them forcibly to the forefront.

Space Exploration Updates

Page 13 provides a brief update on space exploration. Russia launched unmanned spacecraft Mars 4 and 5, expected to reach Mars in six months. Speculation exists about dropping a TV-equipped package, referencing the unsuccessful Mars 3 mission. American scientists have created a replica of Mars based on Mariner spacecraft data, with NASA planning 1975 missions involving soft-landing capsules with instruments and color TV cameras. Pioneer spacecraft are en route to Jupiter, and NASA plans a Venus and Mercury flyby. The America's National Academy of Sciences has recommended intensifying astronomical exploration over the next decade, calling for new conventional optical telescopes and an optical array telescope, including a Very Large Array radio-telescope in New Mexico for detailed study of radio galaxies and quasars. Astronomer Donald Morton is quoted emphasizing the importance of gathering all information the universe sends.

Meetings for "Contact"

Page 16 lists upcoming meetings for the "Contact" organization in Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria for September, October, and November. Contact persons and venues are provided for each city, along with a general correspondence address for the Secretary in Durban.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, the exploration of potential extraterrestrial life, and the psychological impact of extraordinary experiences like space travel. The publication appears to be a platform for sharing and investigating UAP reports, while also engaging with broader scientific and philosophical questions related to space and consciousness. The editorial stance seems open to reporting unusual phenomena and exploring speculative theories, as evidenced by the articles on UAP sightings and the psychological effects on astronauts, alongside factual reporting on space missions.