SPACE - No 15 - 1958 03

Magazine Overview

Title: S.P.A.C.E.
Issue: Bulletin No. 15
Date: March, 1958
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Focus: Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma

This issue of S.P.A.C.E. magazine, published monthly from Coral Gables, Florida, by Norbert F. Gariety, addresses the perceived lull in UFO reports within the United States during November and December, attributing it potentially to the unusually cold climate. However, it highlights that significant reports from other countries are beginning to surface.

Key Articles and Reports

Brazilian Landing Reports Two notable landing reports from Brazil are presented, sourced from J. Escobar Faria, Editor of the UFO Critical Bulletin in Sao Paulo.

Goiania, Goias State Capital, Central Brazil:
This account, a copy of a letter from Judge Gabriel Barbosa de Andrade to the Goias State Justice Secretary, details an interview with Senor Miguel Espanhol. Espanhol, an expert on mineralogy and formerly skeptical of UFOs, recounts an experience on October 10th, 1957. While traveling near Ceres City, his truck was stopped by a strong gleam. A luminous object, illuminating a large area, hovered nearby. A door opened, and seven beings, described as human-like with long hair and wearing luminous suits, emerged. The object, estimated to be 500 feet in diameter and 130 feet high, was oval-shaped, resembling two superimposed saucers. After a silent observation, the beings re-entered, and the UFO ascended approximately 1600 feet.

Florianopolis, Santarina State:
Another landing case reported from the newspaper TRIBUNA CRICIUMENSE. On November 28th, 1957, two peasant residents, Pedro Zilli and Joao Ernani, witnessed two metallic objects land. Six men, described as middle-sized and wearing gray suits, emerged and entered the crafts. The UFOs then took off with a whistling sound, causing significant air displacement. The objects were round and approximately 10 feet in diameter. Simultaneously, other residents reported seeing strange objects resembling superimposed saucers.

Bela Horizonte, Minas Gerais State Capital:
On December 16th, an agent for the "Central do Brazil" railroad reported a UFO that followed a cargo train for about a mile, emitting a strong orange luminosity. The object, intensely illuminated, was perfectly round and maneuvered from right to left. Approximately 20 people witnessed the sighting, which lasted about ten minutes.

The editor notes the significance of reports from individuals who are not typically exposed to UFO news, as their descriptions often align with other sightings.

US Reports and Developments

Reinhold Schmidt Case:
The issue mentions Reinhold Schmidt, who was committed to an asylum after claiming to have been inside a UFO, is suing the State of Nebraska. He reportedly continues to have contact with 'space people'.

Coral Lorenzen's Analysis:
Coral Lorenzen of the A.P.R.O. Bulletin analyzes the November saucer flap, suggesting that UFOs shifted their focus to the US and USSR immediately following the launch of Sputnik II on November 2nd. He notes that countries with large-scale missile testing ranges (US, Russia, Australia) were frequently visited.

Simulated Moon Trip:
"Spaceman" Donald G. Farrell completed a simulated seven-day flight to the moon in San Antonio, Texas. Scientists are studying the data, and Farrell expressed a desire for a real moon trip. The article emphasizes that this test proves humans can exist in space, overcoming the psychological barrier.

Nuclear Space Ships:
The Air Force awarded a contract to Rocketdyne Division for the development of nuclear rocket engines. These engines, utilizing nuclear fission to create thrust, could enable incredibly high speeds and indefinite flight, potentially reaching speeds approaching light.

Wernher Von Braun on Soviet Space:
Army ballistic missile expert Wernher Von Braun predicts more Soviet "firsts" in space exploration and suggests the USSR could launch satellites with spy capabilities. He advises the US to prepare for these advancements.

Ottawa Sighting:
A report from Ottawa, Ontario, dated January 20th, 1958, describes a large, bright object with a tail of flame that hovered for three minutes before vanishing. Officials were reportedly too busy to comment.

Miami 'Glop' Incident:
A detective in Miami, Florida, reported a mysterious, moving, glittering substance that fell from the sky and disappeared within an hour. The substance had no smell and felt intangible.

Air Force Regulation and UFO Reporting

A copy of the newly revised AF Regulation 200-2 is discussed. This regulation, concerning Intelligence and proper handling of UFO reports, emphasizes the need to measure scientific advances, acknowledge the possibility of foreign revolutionary air vehicles, and gather data on geophysics, astronomy, and the upper atmosphere. It states that information regarding UFO sightings can only be released to the public if the object is positively identified as familiar or known. Otherwise, the statement is that the sighting is under investigation.

Space Program Developments

Manned Satellites and Moon Missions:
General Putt of the Air Force announced plans for manned satellites and a potential rocket launch to the moon within the year. The moon is considered a possible manned missile launching base.

Vanguard Satellite:
The second US moon-fired satellite, Vanguard, is orbiting between 400-2500 miles from Earth. Dr. John P. Hagen stated that sending an earth satellite as far as the moon is a logical next step achievable within a year, emphasizing that such scientific advancements have military value, contrasting with President Eisenhower's earlier statement about Sputnik.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with military and scientific advancements. The editor expresses a critical view of the military system, suggesting it has become overly powerful and resistant to change, citing examples like the handling of Col. Nickerson and the outdated military strategy course. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards official statements, particularly from the military and government, regarding UFOs and space programs. The magazine also touches upon unusual phenomena like poltergeist activity and the Abominable Snowman, linking them to periods of increased UFO concentration. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, encouraging readers to question official narratives and consider unconventional explanations, particularly those involving extraterrestrial intelligence.