SPACE - No 11 - 1957 11

Magazine Overview

Title: S. P. A. C. E.
Issue Date: November 1957
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Focus: This issue of S.P.A.C.E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma) delves into the burgeoning space race following the Soviet launch of Sputnik and explores various UFO sightings and theories.

The Space Race and Sputnik

The lead article, "SPACE RACE IS ON--SATELLITE LAUNCHED," discusses the historic launch of the first artificial satellite by the Russians on October 4, 1957. The author laments that this 'first' conquest of space was not achieved by the Western World, attributing the delay to public economy-mindedness, which led to budget cuts and a slackened pace in scientific research and development. The article quotes rocket expert Harry Stine, who was reportedly fired from the Martin Company for stating that the US lost five crucial years between 1945 and 1950 because nobody listened to rocket men, and that failure to catch up would be disastrous. The issue also references earlier US plans, such as the MOUSE project announced in 1947, and a 1955 attempt to send a rocket to the moon, which were dismissed as 'science-fiction nonsense.'

Several prominent figures are quoted reacting to the satellite launch: Neil H. McElroy, the new Secretary of Defense, expressed amazement at the delays in American counterparts; Brig. Gen. Robert L. Scott noted that the world is no longer controlled by land masses but by Sputnik; syndicated columnist Ralph McGill stated that American prestige is at its lowest ebb; and Billy Graham compared the international situation to crises of the Revolutionary, Constitutional, and Civil Wars. Pope Pius XII is quoted as saying God has no intention of limiting man's conquest of space.

UFO Sightings and Claims

The issue features a detailed account from Brazil concerning Joao de Freitas Guimaraes, a professor of Roman Law, who claimed to have spent an hour in a 60-foot flying disc with two extraterrestrial beings. These beings reportedly communicated telepathically and took him on a ride outside Earth's atmosphere. Despite initial disbelief, the story gained traction, and the Brazilian Air Force reportedly covered the rendezvous beach.

Another significant section, "THE EXPANDING CASE FOR THE UFO," discusses M. K. Jessup's latest book, which presents scientific data on accumulated observations of changes in the Moon's topography, particularly in the craters Plato and Linne. Astronomers R. A. Proctor and H. P. Wilkins are cited for observations of darkening surfaces and bright spots in Plato, suggesting potential vegetation. Robert Barker also reported reddish-brown tints in the Plato crater, interpreted as probable vegetation, leading to the conclusion that if one kind of life exists, another can too.

Jessup's research also touches upon the ancient ruins of Zimbabwe in Rhodesia, suggesting they are much older than current civilization and built by a people who mastered heavy-than-air and possibly space flight. Similar anomalies are noted at Sacsahuaman, Easter Island, Angkor Vat, and the Great Pyramid.

An Air Force Intelligence report details a jet-UFO chase involving a Far East Air Force pilot. The UFO was detected as a radar blip, and upon investigation, it accelerated to approximately 2000 mph when the jet attempted to close in. The UFO also jammed the jet's radar. The pilot described the object as circular and golden tan, about the size of a pencil eraser at a distance of five miles, implying a diameter of about 350 feet.

Reports from Cocoa, Florida, mention an unidentified flying object, described as a whitish light and oval in shape, seen by multiple witnesses near the Cape Canaveral guided missile test center. Patrick Air Force Base later attributed these sightings to 'lights made by aircraft from the base on routine instrument tests,' though a subscriber suggested it was a 'Mercury light' with a weird reflection.

Religious and Philosophical Perspectives

Dr. Benjamin D. Benincasa's book, "THE THEOLOGIAN'S APPROACH TO RELIGION ON OTHER PLANETS," is highlighted. The book explores how theologians might approach religion in the context of potential extraterrestrial life and Supreme Beings. It posits that if Earthlings were created in God's image, then intelligent beings on other planets capable of space travel must also be created in His image. The issue also includes a warning from Rabbi Tibor H. Stern against invading outer space, citing biblical passages and the admonition given to the Wright brothers not to pursue heavier-than-air flight.

Other News and Features

The magazine reports that a dog will circle the earth in the next Soviet satellite, dubbed 'Muttnik.' It also mentions NICAP's efforts to end government censorship on UFO reports and encourages support for the organization. George Hunt Williamson is noted for giving lectures on UFOs and ancient civilizations, presenting evidence of advanced ancient technologies.

Predictions for space travel include Captain Eddie Rickenbacker's forecast of common interplanetary travel within 50 years. The issue also includes a section on 'SKY COBWEBS' falling from the sky in New Mexico, with explanations ranging from the Russian satellite to giant cobwebs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intense competition of the Space Race, the perceived secrecy and shortcomings of the US government in this endeavor, and the growing evidence and public interest in UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is critical of government secrecy and complacency, advocating for open investigation and acknowledgment of UFOs. There is a strong undercurrent of belief in the possibility of extraterrestrial life and advanced civilizations, both past and present. The magazine encourages reader engagement and support for organizations like NICAP that are dedicated to uncovering the truth about UFOs.