SPACE - No 05 - 1957 05

Magazine Overview

Title: S. P. A. C. E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma)
Issue: May 1957 (Bulletin No. 5)
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Location: Coral Gables, Florida, USA
Character: A monthly publication dedicated to the investigation and discussion of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena, often presenting a critical view of official explanations.

Cover Story: RAF Radar Alerted for "Strange Object"

The lead story reports on an alert issued by the British Air Ministry on April 6, 1957, instructing Royal Air Force radar stations across Britain to watch for "any unidentified or strange object." This directive followed a report from an Air Force Bomber Command radar post at West Freugh in southwest Scotland, where two civilian operators on duty April 4 detected an "unidentified" object on their screens for a "considerable time." Wing Commander W. P. Whitworth confirmed the sighting, stating it was "definitely no freak" and "an object of some substance." The matter was taken "extremely seriously" by the Air Ministry, which requested a full report and asked other stations to report any similar sightings. An Air Ministry spokesman stated the matter was still being investigated.

US Air Force Stance and Editor's Response

The issue includes an article by Sanford Schnier of the Miami News, reporting on statements made by Brig. Gen. Arno H. Leuhman, head of the US Air Force Information Office. Leuhman stated that the Air Force had uncovered "absolutely nothing" on alleged flying saucers after checking hundreds of thousands of leads over 10 years and personally did not believe there were objects visiting from other planets. This statement drew a sharp reaction from Norbert F. Gariety, editor of S.P.A.C.E.

Gariety questioned why Air Force Regulation 200-2 (dated August 12, 1954) was titled "UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS REPORTING" and why JANAP 146 stated that pilots revealing official UFO reports could face imprisonment and fines. Gariety also cited statements from Professor Hermann Oberth, who concluded that UFOs exist and are real, and from Adm. Delmar S. Fahrney (Ret.), who noted that reliable reports indicated objects entering the atmosphere at high speeds, with capabilities that no agency could duplicate.

Gariety felt that information on UFOs was not being disseminated sufficiently and that the subject was treated too lightly. He also encouraged witnesses to report their sightings to S.P.A.C.E.

Witness Reports and Historical Sightings

The magazine features several witness accounts:

• Mary Agnes Ferraro (Dallas, Texas, April 5, 1957): Reported seeing an oval-shaped object, white in the center with a red halo, moving in a southwest direction, oscillating, and then shooting off at high speed. Air Force officers later questioned her.
• Frank McKisic (Miami): Reported seeing a bright orange-yellow oval-shaped object moving fast, and later a distinct oval orange-colored object with a glow behind it.
• Henry E. Brown, Jr. (Homestead, Florida): Described a dark, blimp-shaped object flying low and fast, with bluish-white port holes, which increased speed to over 120 mph. He concluded it was a genuine UFO sighting.

The issue also revisits historical sightings from the late 19th century, presented as evidence of long-standing aerial phenomena:

• Sacramento, November 22, 1896: Hundreds reported seeing a large, white light, believed to be an airship, moving rapidly southwest.
• Red Bluff, November 25, 1896: Residents saw a bright light moving rapidly, later described as an egg-shaped object with a rocking motion.
• Omaha, Nebraska, March 29, 1897: A mysterious airship, described as a big, bright light, was seen by many citizens.

These historical accounts are presented to suggest that similar phenomena, predating the term "flying saucers," have been observed for decades.

Scientific and Technological Developments

• Planet Study Grant: Dr. K. L. Franklin received a $10,000 grant to investigate radio frequency noises from Jupiter.
• Project Snooper: A team of rocket scientists proposed moth-shaped, unmanned space vehicles for planetary exploration, capable of speeds up to 40,000 mph, powered by an "ion-propelled" rocket and an atomic power plant.

Other News and Features

• "Chasing" Saucers: A brief section noting the ongoing interest in UFOs.
• Abominable Snowman: A brief mention of a Tibetan lama claiming he could bring back a live Abominable Snowman.
• Red Bomber? Britain Has Sky Mystery: A brief report on the RAF radar sighting of an unidentified object over the English Channel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of S.P.A.C.E. include the persistent reporting of unidentified aerial phenomena across different eras, the perceived inadequacy of official explanations and investigations (particularly from the US Air Force), and the belief that such phenomena are real and warrant serious attention. The editorial stance is critical of official dismissiveness and supportive of witness accounts, advocating for greater transparency and public awareness regarding UFOs. The inclusion of historical sightings serves to underscore the long-term nature of these observations, suggesting they are not merely a modern phenomenon.