Skywatch - No 31 - 1974 12-19 75 05

Magazine Overview

Title: Skywatch
Issue: No. 30
Volume/Series: QUARTERLY OF "CONTACT" (S A)
Date: December, 1974 - May, 1975
Publisher: Contact
Country: South Africa
Language: English

This issue of Skywatch magazine opens with an editorial reflecting on the past year, emphasizing the importance of individual uniqueness, awareness of thought processes, and the potential for human re-orientation. The editorial suggests that extraterrestrial visitors may be assisting humanity in this process, and that overcoming ignorance is key to transcending current limitations. It posits that a genuine global need for help will be met, drawing a parallel to the expectation of a Saviour.

Editorial

The editorial, spanning two pages, delves into the concept of purposefulness and the limitations imposed by human conditioning and ignorance. It argues that humanity is largely content with its current state, often accepting suffering due to societal structures. The authors express belief that "extra-terrestrial friends" are present to aid in a necessary "re-orientation" of humanity. They highlight the rapid deterioration of planetary conditions and suggest that only when masses sincerely ask for help can it be given, likening it to atmospheric pressure changes facilitating air movement. The piece concludes with a hopeful outlook for May 1975 and a quote from Lewis Mumford about intelligence accounting for dangers.

INCREDIBLE SOUTH AFRICAN CONTACTEE STORY

This lengthy feature recounts the experiences of a South African contactee who met a spaceman named "George" in 1960. George, who claimed to be from Johannesburg, was an apparent extraterrestrial who integrated into the contactee's life for two years. The story details how George gradually introduced the subject of life in space, referencing historical events like the pyramids as potential evidence. A pivotal moment occurred when George produced a communication instrument with a telescopic antenna. During a fishing trip at Patterson's Groyne, a spacecraft appeared, emitting a blue-white light. George spoke into the instrument in an unknown language, and a voice from the spacecraft, identifying itself as the commander, responded in English, explaining George's mission to find someone to start a group for interested individuals.

The spacecraft then demonstrated its capabilities by leaving at maximum acceleration, producing a sonic boom. George's two-year stay involved extensive research into Durban's libraries, museums, and churches, with George showing keen interest in various religions. He expressed disapproval of lawlessness and brawls. In April 1962, George and the contactee traveled to Richards Bay for a planned rendezvous. On the beach, a large, disc-shaped spacecraft, approximately 160 feet in diameter, landed. George, wearing a special blue uniform for radiation protection, entered the craft via a lift shaft. Before departing, George taught the contactee telepathy, enabling ongoing communication.

The story concludes by bringing the narrative up to date, mentioning a recent telepathic communication from George indicating future contact with the "Contact" group and other space commanders. These communications are to be recorded and shared with the group's members.

IN PASSING

This section explores historical accounts of flying saucers, questioning the notion that they were unknown before Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sightings. It references potential UFO sightings in the Bible, including "pillars of clouds" and "pillars of fire" in the Old Testament, and strange phenomena in the New Testament. A specific report from December, AD 1200, in the province of York, England, describes the sighting of five "moons" in the sky, one of which was accompanied by "stars" and made a circuit of the others for about an hour.

"POLLUTION" (Extract from a talk)

This extract, by Simon Legg of S.A.C.C.A.P., discusses solutions to the world's population explosion problem, referencing a newspaper suggestion for constructing huge, self-supporting space craft for colonization. The author draws parallels with science fiction writers like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, noting how their futuristic ideas have become reality. Frank Herbert's "Dune" is mentioned as a work that explored using space craft to shift populations to other planets. The article then defines pollution and lists various aspects, including population explosion, technological revolution, water and air pollution, soil erosion, and imbalances due to pesticides. It identifies two cardinal errors in human behavior: treating natural resources as inexhaustible and assuming Nature can absorb all waste. The author encourages constructive worry and action regarding pollution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are extraterrestrial contact, UFO phenomena, and the potential for humanity's evolution and re-orientation. There is a strong undercurrent of belief in benevolent alien intelligence offering guidance. The magazine also addresses contemporary issues like pollution and environmental degradation, framing them within a broader context of human behavior and potential solutions, including those inspired by science fiction. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the unexplained, a belief in higher intelligences, and a concern for humanity's future, both in terms of its place in the cosmos and its stewardship of the planet.

This issue of Skywatch, identified by its combined December-February and March-May publication, delves into the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life and related phenomena. The primary focus is on the methods and theories surrounding communication with potential alien civilizations, as well as the exploration of UFO sightings and their interpretations within a 'new-age' framework.

Extraterrestrial Communication Theories

The article "THE SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE CONTINUES." reports on differing scientific opinions regarding interstellar communication. Soviet scientists, influenced by American scientist J. Weber, support the idea that powerful gravitational radiation, detected and studied by Weber, could be the key. Weber suggests this radiation emanates from the center of the galaxy. In contrast, most scientists favor electromagnetic or radio waves, with some preferring radio wavelengths and others visual wavelengths. The advantages of gravitational waves are their ability to penetrate matter without diminishing strength. However, a significant drawback is the extremely low signal level, which could be overcome by developing modulation systems. U.S. scientists, particularly in studies like Cyclops, favor radio waves and suggest the possibility of a galaxy-wide communication network established by intelligent life.

A Message to the Stars

A significant event detailed is the transmission of a three-minute radio message towards Messier 13, a cluster of 300,000 stars in the Milky Way, in December 1974. This project, devised by the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Centre operating the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico for Cornell University and the National Science Foundation, served to demonstrate the capabilities of the world's largest antenna. The message was designed to be converted into a television image conveying information about Earth, including a figure of a man, the chemical composition of DNA, Earth's location, and a representation of the transmitting antenna. The transmission utilized systematic frequency fluctuations representing "characters" that could be reconstructed into an image. The signals are estimated to take 24,000 years to reach Messier 13, making the anticipation of a reply a very long-term prospect.

Review of "U.F.O.s Key to the New Age"

The issue includes a review of Arthur Shuttlewood's book, "U.F.O.s Key to the New Age." Shuttlewood, described as a 'new-age' investigator, presents a complex array of thoughts linking UFO phenomena with concepts such as dadiation, electricity, magnetism, gravity, telepathy, and extra-sensory perception. The book is noted for its 'random thought patterns' and its central theme that man is an integral part of a unified cosmic energy. The review highlights Shuttlewood's investigation of sightings at Warminster, England, particularly the Cradle Hill area. He posits subtle links between magnetism and E.S.P., and suggests that phenomena like waterspouts and tornadoes might be related to spiral magnetic fields, sunspots, and the potential for magnetic structures to draw energy from organic matter. Shuttlewood also speculates on the consequences of a ruptured Van Allen belt, suggesting it could lead to the failure of electrical grid systems and all electrical machinery. The book proposes that some UFOs might be natural products, such as gaseous molecules forming crystalline shapes attracted by magnetism. A Cornish woman, claiming to be a contactee, warns of rising noise levels on Earth that could rupture the planet's outer film, allowing magnetic forces to flow outwards and potentially shift the Earth's axis, altering its rotation rate. Shuttlewood's work is characterized as a 'new-age' approach to ancient problems, challenging readers to delve into UFO mysteries and think in universal terms.

Urgent Appeal and Editor's Note

An "URGENT APPEAL" is made to readers for back copies of "Flying Saucer Review." The "Contact Library" lost a bound volume of these magazines and wishes to compile another for UFO enthusiasts. Readers are asked to check their libraries and send any copies to "Contact" at P.O. Box 743, Durban, 4000, with postage costs to be reimbursed.

An "EDITOR'S NOTE" explains that due to unforeseen circumstances, the December-February issue has been combined with the March-May issue. The editor expresses regret but assures readers that subsequent copies of "Skywatch" will continue. A quote from "Modern Maturity" is included: "Education replaces cocksure ignorance with thoughtful uncertainty."

Meetings and Correspondence

Information is provided for meetings in Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria, including dates, venues, and contact persons for details. The general correspondence address is Secretary, P.O. Box 743, Durban, 4000.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific and speculative aspects of searching for extraterrestrial life, the nature of interstellar communication, and the interpretation of UFO phenomena through a 'new-age' lens. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various theories and phenomena for the reader's consideration, encouraging critical thought and further research, as exemplified by the review of Shuttlewood's book and the appeal for archival material.