SPACE - No 25 - 1959 01

Magazine Overview

Title: S. P. A. C. E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma)
Issue Date: January 1959
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Description: This issue of S.P.A.C.E. magazine delves into UFO phenomena, featuring detailed witness accounts, official investigations, and critical analyses of government responses. It aims to provide a platform for UFO research and discussion, often challenging official explanations.

The Fitzgerald Report

The central focus of this issue is the "Fitzgerald Report," detailing a significant UFO sighting by Mrs. William H. Fitzgerald of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, on September 21, 1958. At approximately 3:00 a.m., Mrs. Fitzgerald observed a disk-shaped object with a hump in the middle, estimated to be five feet off the ground and dull aluminum in color, hovering over her driveway. The object emitted a pink-gray luminescent smoke from two openings. She described it as being 20 to 22 feet in diameter and 6 feet high, with no visible means of propulsion. The object made a whirring or whining noise, described as muffled, similar to a jet engine warming up.

Mrs. Fitzgerald's ten-year-old son, John, also witnessed a bright light and an object matching his mother's description. His account corroborated his mother's, leading them to believe it was not a hallucination. The incident gained attention, alerting an Ohio Congressman and prompting an "explanation" from a Major General of the Air Force. The Akron UFO Research Committee accused the Air Force of "criminal negligence" in handling the case.

Air Force Investigation and Critique

The Air Force investigation, conducted by Tech. Sgts. Haistan and Hof, concluded that the sighting could be explained by a passing train with a rotating headlight and a Coast Guard vessel using its spotlight. They suggested the weather was misty with haze and smoke. However, the Akron UFO Research Committee strongly disputed these findings. They pointed out that the investigators did not observe the area at night, that the Coast Guard light could not have been focused like a searchlight, and that Mrs. Stewart, another witness, did recall seeing an object. The committee deemed the Air Force investigation a "disgrace" and an "insult to the American public," advocating for a congressional investigation.

Other Sightings and Reports

Beyond the Fitzgerald case, the magazine presents several other reports:

• Mrs. Stewart of Lorain, Ohio: Reported seeing a round red object, several times larger than the moon, with a hump, shifting direction.
• Mr. Small and Mr. Cohen: Experienced a luminous unidentified flying object near Loch Raven, Maryland, on October 26, 1958. They stated no Navy blimps or identifiable aircraft were present.
• Japanese Sighting: A photograph published from the Japanese newspaper SANKEI SHIMBUN shows a flying saucer taken by Yoshinari Baba in Osaka on October 31, 1958.
• Wartime Sighting: In September 1944, an anti-aircraft gun battery in Sumutra spotted a mystery white, egg-shaped object, estimated to be the size of a B-29 at 8000 feet.
• Airliner Delay: A C-46 aircraft pilot delayed landing in Northern Brazil on August 17, 1958, due to a luminous unidentified flying object paralleling his course.
• Miami Sighting: On December 23, 1958, H. Emerson and Dr. McLinden observed a gold-colored light with a fantailed glow moving horizontally over Miami.

Expert Opinions and Theories

The issue includes commentary from various figures:

• Prof. Harold D. Lasswell (Yale Law School): Suggests that man's attempts to travel in space might be thwarted by more advanced extraterrestrial civilizations, implying UFOs could be a sign of this.
• Professor Herman Oberth: Believes "very intelligent beings" from space are observing Earth and that the U.S. is developing an "electric" spaceship.
• Arthur Godfry and Dave Garroway: Reportedly agreed to assist in an Air Force program to debunk the UFO subject.
• George Adamski: Is on a worldwide lecture tour, with planned audiences with the Queen of England and Pope John.

The "Big Foot" Phenomenon

A section discusses the "Big Foot" phenomenon, detailing a sighting of an 8-foot tall "ape-like" creature by Roy Kerr and Leslie Breazeale near Eureka, California. Theories range from it being a mentally deficient Indian to a giant humanoid of unknown species. The writer adds his own theory that UFO intelligences may be dropping off lower species for test purposes on Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official explanations for UFO sightings and criticizes government secrecy and debunking efforts. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official narratives and a belief that UFO phenomena warrant serious, scientific investigation. There is a strong undercurrent of advocating for transparency and public awareness regarding UFOs, often highlighting perceived mishandling of evidence by authorities like the Air Force. The publication also explores the broader implications of UFOs for humanity's place in the universe and its future space endeavors.