SPACE - No 35 - 1959 11

Magazine Overview

Title: S. P. A. C. E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma)
Issue: No. 35
Volume/Date: November 1959
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Country of Publication: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: SECRET AGREEMENT OR STRANGE COINCIDENCE??

This issue of S.P.A.C.E. magazine, published monthly from Coral Gables, Florida, focuses on the intersection of the burgeoning space race, international diplomacy, and unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs). The editor, Norbert F. Gariety, presents a collection of news reports, observations, and speculative commentary on these topics.

Secret Agreement or Strange Coincidence?

The lead article posits that the official statements from both the US (President Eisenhower) and the USSR (Chairman Khrushchev) concerning the possibility of life on other planets, made shortly before their Camp David meeting, were not a coincidence but a "well-planned, pre-timed plan of release of information." This suggests a coordinated effort to prepare the public for the space age and its implications.

US and Soviet Perspectives on Extraterrestrial Life

An official US announcement on September 29th, attributed to T. Keith Glennan, Administrator of NASA, stated that the "possibility of the discovery of life on the planets" is a prime reason for the US space program. Glennan emphasized that this quest for knowledge could be a crowning achievement for mankind and that evidence, such as potential low forms of vegetation on Mars, makes it a fascinating objective. He also noted that government research, even unrelated to space, often yields significant industrial improvements.

Following the US announcement, the magazine reports on the Soviet perspective. Soviet astronomer Felix Segal, via Moscow radio, suggested that intelligent extraterrestrial beings might already be making flights into space. He estimated that there could be about 150,000 planetary systems in our galaxy, some with life forms higher than humans. Radio Moscow also claimed Soviet science commanded the means to send cosmic rockets to Mars and Venus and could create artificial atmospheres on these planets and their satellites.

The editor expresses his personal belief that the timing of these official statements was a deliberate strategy agreed upon by Eisenhower and Khrushchev.

Strange and Unusual Incidents Continue

The magazine then details several specific UFO sightings and related phenomena from September and October 1959:

Kentucky Pasturefield Incident

On September 7th, Walter Ogden of Moorehead, Kentucky, reported seeing a "pumpkin-shaped, pale blue" object hovering about 50 feet above a pasture field. The object emitted a soft fluorescent light. It then rapidly ascended and moved horizontally at high speed, leaving a burned circle, 12 feet in diameter, on the ground. The FBI and AF investigators examined the site.

Eastern Sky Blinds Motorist

On September 23rd, near Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, two men reported a pear-shaped object emitting a blinding flame-like light. The object, described as a large inverted pear with a 50-foot tail flame and sparks, was visible for less than a minute. Dogs in the vicinity reportedly howled and barked.

Newfoundland Rendezvous

On September 28th, near St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, a housewife reported seeing two flying objects: one pear-shaped and one needle-nosed. The pear-shaped object hovered, and a door opened from which flames spewed. A needle-nosed object of similar size then appeared and moved at terrific speed before disappearing. The pear-shaped object remained visible for seven minutes.

Oregon Light Puzzler

On September 26th, people in Redmond and Eugene, Oregon, reported a mysterious light in the sky. Described as brilliant and seeming to revolve, it prompted an Air Force investigation with two planes. Phil Brogan of the American Meteor Society stated it was not a meteor and had no explanation.

Mystery Blast in Gulf

On September 30th, the US Navy and Coast Guard investigated mystery explosions and dense smoke in the Gulf of Mexico, about 100 miles southwest of New Orleans. A freighter reported seeing "two bright lights" followed by flames. Passengers on the freighter thought their ship was burning. The Coast Guard found debris but no sign of life.

Ice Chunks from Space?

Several reports detail unexplained ice falls. On October 28th, a 40-pound chunk of ice fell near Toccoa, Georgia, creating a crater. Analysis showed it was pure water. Less than 48 hours prior, a 66-pound ice block fell in Italy. On October 30th, two basketball-sized blocks of ice fell in Cleveland, Ohio, one damaging a roof and the other landing on a golf course. These incidents occurred without any observed aircraft.

Mystery Disc Near Hawaii

On October 29th, a shiny disc-like object was reported moving at high speed over the Pacific near Hawaii. Weather Bureau observers could not explain it. The object was observed through a telescope and with the naked eye, calculated to be moving at 11,000 feet altitude.

Lights on Balloon Puzzle Scientists

On October 30th, a giant space balloon launched from Wallops Island, Virginia, was expected to glow from the setting sun, but instead displayed mysterious "dancing lights," shooting sparks, and flashing beams, described as reminiscent of Christmas lights.

Kentucky Object Sighting

On October 19th, in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, a woman reported seeing an oversized star move and change shapes, including a swastika and a four-leaf clover, with glowing streamers.

Jewel-Like Object in Massachusetts Sky

On September 25th, a resident of Rowley, Massachusetts, reported seeing an oddly beautiful, gold-colored, jewel-like object in the eastern sky. It appeared to shrink and dissolve like a comet tail. The observer was certain it was not an airplane.

Strange Object Found by Kansas Farmer

Officials investigated a strange object found by farmer Gene Krull in Mound City, Kansas. The object, about 10 feet long and weighing 100 pounds, was carefully removed from Krull's truck.

Other Phenomena and Commentary

Mysterious Radio Signal

Amateur radio operators in Chicago reported picking up a mysterious signal disrupting communications on the 50-megacycle band.

Pigeon-Guided Missiles

A report reveals that the Navy attempted for three years to train pigeons to steer guided missiles but failed.

Unusual Weather Conditions

Britain experienced its balmiest summer in over 200 years, with minimal rainfall and high temperatures. Alpine, Switzerland, also recorded its sunniest September in a century. The article notes that warmer temperatures are affecting sea levels, with oceans rising due to melting glaciers, and the Magnetic North Pole is shifting.

The Atlantic Ocean is Rising

An article references a 1923 vessel sent to search for a lost cable, which found the ocean bed had risen nearly two and a quarter miles. The Gulf Stream's position has also reportedly changed.

"Was It A Balloon?!"

A letter to the editor questions the official explanation of a "balloon" sighting, suggesting it was a cover-up for a real UFO. The writer connects the sighting to the falling ice chunks, arguing that the ice could not have formed on a balloon launched moments before.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of S.P.A.C.E. are the increasing pace of the space race, the potential for extraterrestrial life, and the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine adopts a critical stance towards orthodox science, suggesting it ignores compelling evidence. The editor clearly believes in the reality of UFOs and views the official explanations as attempts to downplay or conceal the truth. There is a strong undercurrent of international intrigue, particularly concerning the US and Soviet space programs and their potential connection to UFO activity. The magazine advocates for public awareness and investigation into these mysteries, concluding with the sentiment that "The truth cannot be kept from the public much longer. Everything will be revealed. The people are awakening!"