SPACE - No 04 - 1957 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 4
Date: April 1957
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Editor: Norbert F. Gariety
Focus: Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma (S.P.A.C.E.)

This issue of SPACE magazine, published monthly from Coral Gables, Florida, delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena from early 1957. It features reports from pilots, radar experts, and military personnel, alongside commentary on official investigations and scientific developments.

Key Articles and Reports

Airliner Dodges Mystery Object

The lead story, sourced from the Miami Herald (March 10, 1957), details an incident where a Pan-American World Airways plane, flight number unknown, piloted by Capt. Matthew A. Van Winkle, had to perform evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision with a mysterious greenish-white flying object off the Florida coast. The maneuver, a steep climb of 1,500 feet, caused all 44 passengers to be hurled to the floor. Van Winkle stated the object was not shaped like any known jet aircraft. A spokesman from Patrick Air Force Base confirmed no guided missile activity was involved, and armed forces indicated no jet planes were in the area. Van Winkle reported seeing about seven aircraft in the area, all of whom witnessed a glow, spread over a 300-mile track. He described the object as having a very bright core ringed with green. This was the second such report from PAA in the Florida area since November. A PAA radar expert, Donald Freestone, had previously tracked an object over southern Florida on November 8th, which reportedly shot off into space at an astonishing 4,000 miles per hour. The sighting occurred halfway between New York and San Juan.

Houston Airmen Chase Mystery Flying Object

This report, from the DALLAS TIMES HERALD (March 9, 1957), details an encounter by two veteran Houston pilots, Victor Hancock (pilot of a Tennessee Gas Transmission Co. DC-3) and co-pilot Guy Miller. They spotted an unidentified flying object at 9:45 p.m. over Pasadena, Texas, which darted away at high speed. The object reportedly stopped or seemed to stop, and would evade them easily. Hancock described the object as having three large, white, brilliant lights and estimated its size to be at least that of their plane. He felt the object was 'messing around' with them and knew they were following. They got within a quarter-mile. The DC-3 was flying between 1,300 and 1,500 feet, while the object reportedly flew as high as 2,000 feet and as low as 200 feet. Both pilots notified Ellington Air Force Base and Houston International Airport, but spokesmen there reported not spotting the object.

Other Sightings and Related Events

• Texas Speed Estimates: A separate clipping mentions an object spotted over Houston the previous Wednesday night, traveling at speeds estimated at 2,000 miles per hour and at altitudes of 40,000 to 50,000 feet.
• USAF Airman's Report: A letter from an anonymous Air Force airman (A/1C, USAF) describes an experience on February 9, 1957, around 6:30 P.M., where he and a fellow airman spotted an object with a fiery trail, not like an aircraft contrail or a meteor, as it changed course several times. They estimated its altitude at a minimum of 40,000 feet and speed in excess of 700 knots, with a fiery trail about forty feet long. The airman questions if it was a USAF test rocket.
• St. Valentine Spurs New Saucer "Daze" (Los Angeles Herald & Express, Feb. 14, 1957): Police received numerous calls about two unidentified flying objects seen over Burbank at about 60,000 feet, described as twinkling stars that moved at twice the speed of average jet aircraft, darting and standing still.
• Jet Blast Jars Los Angeles: A sonic blast on March 5, 1957, rocked Los Angeles and suburbs, causing minor damage. Police attributed it to a jet plane crashing through the sound barrier. The magazine questions if this was 'some JET airplane' and notes the Air Force's regulations against breaking the sound barrier over populated areas, suggesting the Air Force might prefer to take blame for sonic blasts rather than admit to other phenomena.

Commentary and Analysis

Editor's Notes and Opinions

The editor, Norbert F. Gariety, frequently interjects commentary. Regarding the Pan American incident, he dismisses the possibility of it being a meteor, citing the pilot's experience. He suggests the Air Force will likely dismiss it as a meteor. He contrasts this with the Houston 'cat and mouse' incident, which he believes cannot be easily explained away. He also playfully suggests that 'Texas FIREFLYS' might be responsible for the California sightings.

Rear Admiral Fahrney's Stance

Rear Admiral Delmer S. Fahrney (Ret.), a guided missile expert, is quoted stating that 'unidentified flying objects' apparently 'directed by intelligent beings' are penetrating Earth's atmosphere. He also notes that these objects move at speeds that neither the US nor Russia could duplicate. Fahrney is chairman of the National Investigations Committee on Unidentified Flying Objects (NICAP) and urges the public to report sightings.

Air Force Position vs. Expert Opinion

The magazine contrasts the Air Force's official stance, which has historically denied the existence of UFOs (citing an eight-year study in October 1955), with statements from individuals like Admiral Fahrney. The editor expresses a belief that the Air Force might be downplaying evidence to avoid public speculation.

Space Program Developments

USAF to Start Moon Rocket Program

An article from MISSILES AND ROCKETS magazine reports that the Air Force plans to launch a moon rocket program, with a vehicle expected to be circling the moon within five years. Brig. General Hollingsworth F. Gregory, Head of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, stated this is imperative to stay ahead of the Russians. ICBM power plants are likely to be used, and modified ICBMs might be launched as part of training. The program involves numerous research contracts totaling about $30 million.

Brightest Comet of the Century

Leonard Bertin, a science correspondent, predicts the brightest comet of the century will appear at the end of April. Named the Arend-Rowland comet, it was first seen on November 8th and may have been influenced by Jupiter or Uranus. It is expected to be visible with telescopes and potentially brighter than Halley's comet. The editor notes that this comet will likely lead to more reports of flying saucers from people unfamiliar with astronomical objects, and that it will serve to make more people 'SPACE MINDED'.

Organizations and Publications

• NICAP: The National Investigations Committee on Unidentified Flying Objects is mentioned, with its Board of Governors listed (names not available when the March issue went to press). Their address is 1536 Connecticut Ave., Washington 6, D. C. They plan to publish a 32-page monthly magazine.
• Max Miller's Booklet: The magazine recommends Max Miller's new booklet, 'FLYING SAUCERS--FACT OR FICTION', available for $1.00 (hardcover) and $.75 (softcover).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently highlights the perceived disconnect between official Air Force explanations (often attributing sightings to meteors or misidentification) and the detailed, experienced accounts from pilots and radar operators. The editor champions the idea that UFOs are real phenomena, possibly of intelligent origin, and criticizes the Air Force's dismissive approach. There's a strong undercurrent of promoting public awareness of UFOs and the burgeoning space age, with the editor believing that increased sightings and space exploration will make people more receptive to these topics. The magazine aims to collect and disseminate such reports, encouraging reader participation.