SPACE - No 10 - 1957 10

Magazine Overview

S.P.A.C.E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma) is a monthly publication from Coral Gables, Florida, edited and published by Norbert F. Gariety. This October 1957 issue, Bulletin No. 10, focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, mysterious atmospheric events, and Soviet space ambitions.

Cover Story: Falling Ice, Tinfoil, Skyquakes! What Next?

The lead article explores recent unusual occurrences. It highlights 'skyquakes' that have been reported by the dozens, with a specific account from Duluth, Minnesota, where an explosion-like sound cracked a plaster wall. Police and radio stations were inundated with calls, many describing the sound as a jet plane breaking the sound barrier, though the Air Force stated no such jets were aloft. One caller reported seeing a strange object borne by balloons. The article also includes a roundup of other skyquake reports from July 1957 across various US cities, including Charleston, Indianapolis, Monterey, San Bernardino, and San Francisco.

Beyond skyquakes, the issue details mysterious ice falls. In Reading, Pennsylvania, large chunks of ice dropped from a clear sky onto a farm. Chester, Pennsylvania, reported a 'huge cake of natural ice' falling on a home, shattering into pieces. Philadelphia experienced a 'tinfoil shower' with strips of shiny metal falling from the sky.

Personal Accounts and Sightings

The magazine features personal accounts of UFO sightings. Walter Aaskov of Miami Springs, Florida, described observing a greenish-yellow light in the sky that moved slowly then at terrific speed. Another report details six 'flying saucers' spotted by Warner Little and others in East Whittier, California. These silvery discs reportedly changed to orange as they sped away, with four moving north and two directly east.

In New Orleans, Louisiana, Patrolman Angelo Gemelli reported seeing a 'ball of fire' in the sky, described as being about the size of a big bass drum. The sighting was initially met with skepticism by his partner but was later corroborated by an early morning workman.

Space Exploration and Soviet Plans

The issue delves into the burgeoning space race, particularly highlighting Soviet ambitions. Moscow newspaper 'Literary Gazette' published detailed plans for Soviet manned rockets to the Moon, Venus, and Mars by 1965. These plans involve a three-stage approach: unmanned rockets, followed by 'armored laboratories' for reconnaissance, and finally manned 'scientific stations'. The travel times to Venus and Mars are estimated at 146 and 258 days, respectively. The project is codenamed LVM (Moon-Venus-Mars).

Scientific Opinions and Theories

S.P.A.C.E. presents statements from prominent scientists regarding extraterrestrial life. Dr. Harlow Shapley, former Director of Harvard Observatory, stated it's 'inevitable that there are other worlds with some kind of thinking beings.' Dr. Harold C. Urey suggested the high probability of 'other life in the universe more intelligent than ours.' Clyde Tombaugh, discoverer of Pluto, who has personally sighted UFOs, described them as unlike any other observed phenomena and speculated about other inhabited worlds possessing advanced technology.

The magazine also touches on the controversial Aetherius Society's claims that aircraft disasters are linked to 'nuclear experimentation'. It contrasts this with the Civil Aeronautics Bureau's findings on the UAL and TWA crash over the Grand Canyon, attributing it to a near-collision due to parallel flight paths and blind spots.

Animal Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP)

A peculiar story about a cat named Hornblower, who traveled 455 miles to find his family after getting lost, is presented as a case of extraordinary animal ESP. The magazine argues that such feats, while rare, are statistically improbable and suggests that animals, like UFOs, possess abilities not fully understood.

Mysterious Creatures and Phenomena

Reports of strange creatures are also featured. In Amsterdam, Netherlands, an investigation was ordered into deformed frogs found near a nuclear research institute, with speculation about radioactive contamination. A 'mighty strange beast' was reported in West Dallas, Texas, described as a lionish-looking animal with a bushy tail. The magazine links these sightings to times of peak UFO activity, speculating that UFO occupants might be leaving behind unfamiliar species of lower vertebrates for study.

Another report from London describes a cigar-shaped, blue-green object moving rapidly over the city, as reported by the Air Ministry. A science fiction-type creature, 'The Thing', reappeared in Yemassee, South Carolina, described as a lionish animal with a bushy tail. The magazine also mentions a past incident where a similar creature attacked a forestry worker in Georgia.

Lunar Radio Relay and Other News

Naval electronic scientists reported that the moon can be used as a radio relay station, with successful transmissions of voice messages and radar signals. The issue also includes excerpts from 'Little Listening Post' discussing future transportation (wheelless autos) and reports of large, plate-shaped flying ships landing in Australia, as well as ancient rock carvings depicting saucers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of S.P.A.C.E. consistently emphasizes the unexplained and the unknown, particularly focusing on UFO sightings and related phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and personal accounts without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to form their own opinions. There's a clear skepticism towards official explanations (like the Air Force's stance on UFO evidence) and a willingness to explore more speculative theories, such as the connection between UFOs and unusual animal sightings or the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence. The magazine also highlights the growing interest in space exploration, both from the US and the Soviet Union, framing it within a context of potential competition and discovery.