SPACE - No 07 - 1957 07

Magazine Overview

Title: S.P.A.C.E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma)
Issue: Bulletin No. 7
Date: July 1957
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Location: Coral Gables, Florida

This issue of S.P.A.C.E. delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, public perception, and official responses. It features articles on a recently released movie about UFOs, the mystery of sonic booms, observations of Mars, and reports of sightings from around the globe. The publication also includes a critical examination of the U.S. Air Force's handling of UFO information and a series of questions posed to the Chief of Staff.

Movie "UFO" Review

The lead article discusses the movie "UFO," which had a successful run in the Miami area. The editor notes that while the acting was not award-winning, the message was clear and impactful. The film featured Air Force cooperation and included a statement from General Samford admitting that "Credible observers----have reported relatively incredible things." The editor expresses satisfaction that the movie did not incite public panic, reinforcing his long-held belief that the public can handle factual information about UFOs without fear. He criticizes the Air Force for withholding information for years, questioning when the government will provide more details to the public.

The editor credits UFO researchers like Donald E. Keyhoe, M. K. Jessup, and others for their efforts in bringing official information to light. He observes a recent lull in UFO reports in Florida, suggesting it might be a "calm before the storm."

Sonic Boom Mystery

Several articles address a series of mysterious sonic booms plaguing the Los Angeles area. A Los Angeles Times report from May 23, 1957, details a gigantic sonic boom that occurred the previous night, causing residents to investigate the sky. Despite the widespread alarm and reported damage, all military services and aircraft companies denied responsibility. The cause of the blast remained a mystery.

An editorial note from the editor, Norbert F. Gariety, references a statement by Col. Dean Hess, an Air Force public information officer, who described the sonic boom as "a mother's whisper compared to what would happen if those boys were not up there." Gariety interprets this as an admission that something other than jets was present. He suggests that the Air Force's practice of sending jets to chase UFOs might be why these phenomena are more elusive now.

Another article from the same issue discusses the theory that sonic blasts might be caused by UFOs decelerating upon entering the atmosphere, a reverse of the typical acceleration boom associated with jets. This theory is linked to a statement by Dorothy Kilgallen suggesting that military brass is more concerned about "sky quakes" than Flying Saucers. A news item from Washington, D.C., also reports "More big mystery skyquakes over Washington."

UFOs and Space Travel Theories

The magazine explores advanced concepts related to space travel and UFOs. One section addresses the theory of "TIME-DILATION," explaining that time and speed are relative, and traveling at the speed of light would cause time to stand still. It suggests that travelers on an accelerating and decelerating ship would return to find that much more time had passed on Earth.

An article discusses Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger's work on ionic and photonic craft, projecting speeds that could enable a trip to the moon in 3.5 hours and to other planets in 2 days. It also mentions the concept of "photon propulsion" for space vehicles, which could achieve speeds approaching light, allowing for intergalactic travel within a single generation, while billions of years pass on Earth.

Mars Observations

Astronomers are puzzled by the "strange" behavior of the planet Mars. An upcoming meeting of the international Mars committee and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific is announced to discuss these anomalies. Dr. E. C. Slipher, who has observed Mars for 50 years, notes unprecedented yellow clouds obscuring the planet's surface and polar cap in 1956, making it difficult for astronomers to recognize its regions. Despite the unknown cause, Dr. Slipher states his opinion that "THERE IS LIFE ON MARS."

International UFO Reports

Reports from abroad are featured, including an interesting account from the Flying Saucer Research Group in Japan. A Japanese fishing boat, the "Kitsukawa Maru," reported spotting two metallic, silvery mystery craft that descended from the sky and dived into the Pacific Ocean, causing violent turbulence. The article notes that UFOs entering and disappearing into water has been reported before.

The issue also includes a bulletin from Sao Paulo, Brazil, published by attorney J. Escobar Faria, indicating a welcome addition to foreign connections for S.P.A.C.E. The editor notes that saucer sightings often occur in cycles and concentrated areas.

New Publications and UFO Chronology

New publications in the UFO field are highlighted. "SATELLITE Science & the UFO," edited by Richard Hall of New Orleans, is introduced as a new venture for a researcher previously contributing to Leonard Stringfield's "ORBIT." The publication "THE LITTLE LISTENING POST" from Washington, D.C., is also mentioned.

An ancient Japanese UFO chronology lists several sightings, including a "mystery bright light" in 1431, a "big mystery light" the size of the moon in 1458, and "spider's web-like mysterious objects" falling in Osaka in 1797, which the editor speculates could be "ANGEL HAIR."

Questions for the Air Force

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to excerpts from a letter written by Major Wayne S. Aho, a former Army Combat Intelligence Officer, to General Nathan Twining, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. Major Aho expresses concern over statements made by the Air Force that he believes are an "INSULT TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE" and are causing people to lose faith in the integrity of the Air Force.

Based on his own firsthand experience of sighting a spacecraft land with witnesses, Major Aho believes contact reports are authentic. He poses a series of eight questions on behalf of researchers, seeking definitive answers on:

1. Whether UFOs, flying saucers, or spacecraft exist officially.
2. If the Air Force is withholding information or discouraging its release to the press.
3. If all UFO sighting information is classified under AF Regulation 200-2.
4. If the Air Force knows what UFOs are, their power source, if they are interdimensional or interplanetary, and their purpose.
5. If the Air Force believes or recognizes ground contact with UFO occupants.
6. If the Air Force possesses any landed or crashed spacecraft or parts thereof.
7. Why Air Force pilots are threatened with court martial for releasing information about UFO sightings.
8. If the Air Force has ever fired upon UFOs and the current status of any such order.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of S.P.A.C.E. include the perceived lack of transparency from the U.S. Air Force regarding UFO phenomena, the potential for public education on the subject, and the global nature of UFO sightings. The editorial stance is critical of government secrecy and supportive of UFO researchers who strive to uncover and disseminate information. The editor consistently advocates for the public's right to know and expresses a belief that the public can handle the truth about UFOs. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations and a persistent questioning of the Air Force's motives and knowledge concerning unidentified flying objects.