Magazine Summary
S. P. A. C. E.
Summary
This issue of SPACE magazine from September 1958 delves into various UFO-related phenomena, including 'skyquakes' and sightings reported by military personnel and civilians. It discusses military investigations, government secrecy surrounding UFOs, and the potential for advanced technology derived from observing UFOs. The magazine also explores speculative scientific ideas like brain wave communication and genetic modification for space travel, alongside theological considerations of extraterrestrial beings and their need for salvation. Several historical and recent incidents of unusual aerial phenomena and strange precipitation are detailed.
Magazine Overview
Title: S. P. A. C. E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma)
Publisher: Published Monthly from Coral Gables, Florida by Norbert F. Gariety.
Issue Date: September 1958, Bulletin No. 21.
Character: This magazine focuses on UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and their potential implications, often presenting anecdotal evidence and speculative theories.
Cover Story: Skyquakes and Saucers
The lead story, "SKY QUAKES ARE BACK -- SO ARE SAUCERS," highlights the recurring connection between UFO reports and mysterious atmospheric events. Several recent examples are presented:
- Blast Shakes Girl's Camp: In Harvard, Massachusetts, an unidentified object reportedly landed in Bare Hill pond, causing an explosion that shook a nearby Girl Scout camp. Military authorities investigated, recovering metal particles for study. An Army explosives team found no evidence of an explosion, and artillery was more than ten miles away.
- Boom Jolts Area at Salt Lake City: In Utah, an explosion described as a sonic boom from a jet plane was reported. However, residents also saw what they thought was a black missile pursued by two jet planes. Military sources denied a missile had been fired, and the adjutant general confirmed the explosion was a jet plane cracking the sound barrier, with other information classified.
Eastern Airlines Mechanics Sight UFOs
An account from A. P. Grams, an Eastern Airlines mechanic at Miami International Airport, describes seeing dozens of UFOs in operation on August 25, 1958. He noted they were highly illuminated when near the sun and changed to a darker color as they flew away. He and others observed them at tremendous speeds, with no comparative value for size or distance. The next day, a similar display occurred with fewer objects. Grams noted that from his viewpoint at the airport, the objects appeared round, while his wife, viewing from 11 miles away in North Miami, saw them as elliptical.
Rocking "Boom" Over Louisiana
A mysterious "boom" thundered over southeast and central Louisiana, with no definitive cause identified. While some suspected a jet plane crash or sonic boom, Air Force sources could not confirm any aircraft in the vicinity. The event was heard and felt in multiple communities, shattering windows in Alexandria. Sheriffs' departments and police were inundated with calls.
Senator Kuchel's Statement on UFO Investigations
Senator Thomas H. Kuchel, in a letter to Max Miller of SAUCERS, stated that the Air Force investigates UFO reports and utilizes outside experts. He assured that Senate members would insist that government officials take the possibility of invasion by outer space aircraft seriously. He also noted that approximately 4,000 weather and upper-air-research balloons are released daily in the U.S., accounting for many "flying saucer" reports.
Air Force Headquarters Admits 13 UFOs Per Day
A report from Air Force Headquarters indicates that U.S. interceptors have not caught UFOs, but officials believe Russian planes may be "spoofing" DEW line Radar with electronic devices to create fake images, possibly accounting for some of the 13 unidentified flying objects sighted daily. The Strategic Air Command (SAC) can distinguish between UFO blips and earthmade aircraft, and the admission of this capability was cleared by top defense officials. The article speculates that if SAC identified objects as non-hostile, secrecy should end. It also mentions a case where SAC bombers were scrambled for strange objects flying in formation toward the U.S., but were recalled by code signals when identified as not Soviet planes. These mysterious formations remain unexplained.
U.S. Seeks Controls by Brain Waves
This section details U.S. Armed Forces research into amplifying and controlling "brain waves" for long-range communication and influencing objects. Projects involve scientists who believe brain waves are akin to radar. The Army's arsenal and ballistic missile center at Redstone, Alabama, is exploring brain wave amplification for communication between space ships. Dr. J. B. Rhine of Duke University's parapsychological laboratory is mentioned for his work on humans influencing dice games. Dr. H. J. Rand's laboratory is developing instruments using electrical potential changes in heartbeats to warn surgeons. Col. William Bowers of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research stated his staff has an "open mind" on transmitting messages and energy from the brain over long distances.
Man with Gills Aim of Scientists
Space scientists are considering breeding humans or animals capable of breathing water or gas. Dr. Blaine Levendahl, a zoologist from the University of California, Los Angeles, suggested that creatures might have gills or lungs that could be filled with water and converted back to air. The idea is to speed up evolution to create such beings.
Bomber Shield Being Tested
Sylvania Electric Products is testing an invisible "electronic shield" for the Air Force's B-58 Hustler bomber. This system provides an electromagnetic shield to protect against electronically guided weapons and radar.
Catholic Position on Extra-Terrestrials
The Roman Catholic Church formed a committee to study the church's duties toward extraterrestrial beings, considering if they need salvation. Historical theological discussions date back to the 15th century. Joseph Pohle summarized possible positions, including Jesus appearing to all inhabitants of the universe or only on Earth. Fr. Celestine Testore implied other creatures on planets might need Christianity brought to them, citing Jesus' words about other sheep. Fr. Francis J. Connell suggested extraterrestrials might be in a state of grace and not need salvation.
Protestant Views on Extraterrestrials
An article from the Christian Herald by John W. McKelvey is excerpted, suggesting that beings in outer space could be closer to God and possess remarkable character and virtues. It references the Book of Job and Bernard de Fontenelle's argument for multiple worlds, stating that God's glory would be greater with more worlds created.
Stars Whispers Bombarding the Earth
The U.S. Navy is planning a $60 million radio telescope near Green Bank, West Virginia, to probe mysteries of the universe. This instrument will pick up radio signals from billions of miles away and could help determine if the universe is curved or flat, or if it ends. It may also support or weaken the exploding-universe theory. The article notes that radio astronomy is progressing rapidly, with military interest in using radio telescopes for bouncing signals off the moon, which are difficult to jam.
Ice Crashes Through Roof
A 70-pound cake of ice fell through the roof of a home in Madison Township, New Jersey, baffling authorities. The ice crashed through the attic and landed on the kitchen table, splintering chairs. The family had been sitting in one of the chairs moments before. Similar incidents of ice falling from the sky, sometimes with unusual odors or containing frogs, are cited from historical records in England, Canada, Ohio, India, Texas, and Cumberland.
Spooks Invade Man's Photos
In London, T. L. Taylor, an electrical engineer, claims his photographs taken inside Winchester Cathedral captured 13 figures dressed in medieval costume in the choir stalls, despite the stalls appearing empty when he took the pictures. The South Staffordshire Metaphysical Society is investigating the case.
New Saucer Flap Predicted by Ewing
Bob Ewing, editor of THE NEW ERA, predicts a new peak in UFO sightings starting in August and continuing for five months. He believes "Venusians" plan to fly worldwide to show they are living beings and to teach a better way of life, emphasizing peace and respect for others' rights.
Editorial Viewpoint: The Right to Know
A stolen editorial from Missiles and Rockets emphasizes the vital importance of the right to know the truth and how taxpayers' money is being spent for the conduct of a democratic government.
Dr. Wernher Von Braun's Space Prediction
Dr. Wernher Von Braun is quoted as being convinced that man will be in space within five years and on the moon within 10 to 15 years.
Strange Signals from Radio Operators
Claims are made by ham radio operators of receiving strange, unexplainable signals. An account is given of a plane crew from Ransa airlines seeing a strange glowing object that maneuvered around their plane and vanished at incredible speed. Simultaneously, strange messages were received on the P.A.A. system at Maiquetia International Airport, which technicians found to be the weirdest they had ever heard.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, particularly UFO phenomena, and often questions official explanations or lack thereof. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unconventional theories and a belief that UFOs are real and significant. There's a recurring theme of government secrecy and a call for transparency. The magazine also touches upon broader scientific and philosophical questions, including the nature of consciousness, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and theological implications. The editor encourages readers to submit clippings and information, indicating a desire to compile and disseminate UFO-related news and theories.
The central problem: Whether inhabitants of outer space have need for salvation. It is possible that original sin is not known beyond the earth.
Key Incidents
An unidentified object landed in Bare Hill pond with an explosion, shaking a nearby Girl Scout camp. Military authorities investigated and recovered metal particles.
An explosion, described as a sonic boom caused by a jet plane, shook the valley. Residents reported seeing a black missile with two jet planes in pursuit, but military sources denied a missile had been fired.
Eastern Airlines mechanics reported seeing many UFOs in operation, describing them as highly illuminated and moving at tremendous speed.
A large boom was heard, possibly caused by a jet plane breaking the sound barrier, but no aircraft were known to be in the vicinity. The sound was heard and felt in several communities.
Pieces of ice with a sulphurous odor fell from the sky.
A farmer found small frogs in the middle of ice that fell from the sky.
A farmer found small frogs in the middle of ice that fell from the sky.
Pieces of ice as large as pumpkins fell from the sky.
Pieces of ice so large that they killed thousands of sheep crashed from the sky.
Blocks of ice so large that they looked like a flock of sheep fell from the sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official stance of the Air Force on UFOs?
The Air Force states that it has no PHYSICAL EVIDENCE that such things even exist, defining physical evidence as 'something you can touch'.
What is a 'skyquake'?
Skyquakes are described as mysterious occurrences that seem to happen concurrently with UFO reports, often involving explosions or sonic booms.
Are there any official government statements on UFO investigations?
Senator Thomas H. Kuchel states that the Air Force investigates all reports of unusual aerial objects and utilizes outside scientists and technicians. He also insists that government officials must take the possibility of invasion by outer space aircraft seriously.
What is the Catholic Church's position on extraterrestrials?
The Roman Catholic Church appointed a committee of theologians to study the duties of the church toward creatures in outer space, considering whether they need salvation and if original sin is known beyond Earth.
What is the purpose of the new radio telescope being built?
The new radio telescope, costing $60 million, is intended to enable astronomers to probe deeper into the mysteries of the universe, potentially answering questions about the universe's curvature, finiteness, and origin.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Norbert F. GarietyEditor and Publisher
- Edward J. RuppeltChief Investigator for Project Bluebook
- Joanna Sayrecrafts director
- Noah KingFt. Devens public information officer
- Max E. RichUtah adjutant general
- A. P. GramsEastern Airlines mechanic
- James Coons
- Frank Wilson
- Thomas Tucker
- Max Miller
- Ed.Editor
- Thomas H. KuchelUnited States Senator
- +8 more
Organisations
- S.P.A.C.E.
- Air Force
- Project Bluebook
- Ft. Devens
- Army
- Air National Guard
- Eastern Airlines
- National Geographic Society
- U.S. Navy
- NICAP
- Strategic Air Command
- DEW line Radar
- Defense Dept.
- Pentagon
- +6 more
Locations
- Coral Gables, USA
- Dayton, Ohio, USA
- Bare Hill pond, USA
- Worcester, USA
- Ft. Devens, USA
- West Newton, USA
- Harvard, USA
- Salt Lake City, USA
- Utah, USA
- Miami International Airport, USA
- North Miami, USA
- Perrine, USA
- Louisiana, USA
- Amite, USA
- +6 more