SPACE - No 14 - 1958 02

Magazine Overview

SPACE, published monthly from Coral Gables, Florida, by Norbert F. Gariety, presents its February 1958 issue, identified as Bulletin No. 14. The magazine, subtitled 'Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma,' aims to explore unexplained aerial phenomena and related topics.

Weather Phenomenon? Lawman Vows That It Was Not

The lead article challenges the Air Force's explanation of a bright light sighted at Levelland, Texas, on November 2, 1957. The Air Force attributed the phenomenon to 'St. Elmo's fire' or 'Ball lightning,' citing that only three people originally reported seeing it. However, Hockley County Sheriff Weir Clem strongly disagreed, stating he had seen similar weather phenomena multiple times and was convinced it was 'definitely something' else. He asserted that eleven people saw the light in the air, and he himself saw it. Clem also noted that the investigators asked questions but 'didn't do any talking,' and that other witnesses corroborated his view that it was not a freak weather condition. He emphasized the reliability of the witnesses and the consistency of their reports. The article also mentions an anonymous visitor in an Air Force vehicle who visited Sheriff Clem's office, spending several hours before departing for Lubbock, leaving no clear indication of his purpose or identity.

The editorial note expresses skepticism about the thoroughness of the Air Force's investigation, questioning if it cost the claimed $10,000 per UFO report. It contrasts this with reports from White Sands and the Coast Guard Cutter SEBAGO, where the Air Force allegedly branded personnel as 'Unreliable' or 'incompetent' for their UFO observations.

Lord Dowding Restates His Opinion

Retired Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding, addressing the British Flying Saucer Bureau in Bristol, England, on October 5, 1957, reiterated his belief that flying saucers are not of terrestrial origin. He questioned why, if they were terrestrial, there would be no domestic use of a new power source and why conventional atom-bombers are still being built.

'Saw Snowman, It Walked Like a Man', Red Says

This section reports on a Russian scientist, Prof. A. G. Fronin, who claims to have seen the 'abominable snowman' in the Himalayas from a distance of 140 yards. He described a 'man-like creature' covered in fur, walking on two legs. The account coincides with reports from Sherpa tribesmen. Prof. Fronin detailed his observation during an expedition in the Pamir Mountains, noting the creature emerged from a cave and hid behind a rock. He later returned to the scene and saw the creature again. The report also mentions a separate interest from Texas oil man Tom Slick, who, along with Ft. Worth oil man F. Kirk Johnson, planned another search for the abominable snowman, aiming to beat a Russian expedition.

Describes Spacemen's Visit--Friends Doubtful

Mrs. Cynthia Appleton of Birmingham, England, claims two spacemen visited her home. She described them as 'tall and blond' and said they spoke kindly, expressing a desire to raise the standard of human civilization. They reportedly wore domes on their heads and tight-fitting costumes. While her husband and two clergymen reportedly believed her story, her friends and neighbors distanced themselves, with some calling her a 'crank.' The magazine notes that the UP story omitted the details about the husband and clergymen, suggesting editorial bias.

Officer Sees Sky Object--