SPACE - No 37 - 1960 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE
Issue: 37
Date: January 1960
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Focus: Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma (S.P.A.C.E.)

This issue of SPACE magazine, published monthly from Coral Gables, Florida, heralds the beginning of "The Soaring Sixties," a decade anticipated to bring significant advancements in space travel and a broadening of human understanding in philosophy and theology. The publication emphasizes the responsibility of religions to address the eventual meeting with intelligent beings from other planets.

Religious and Philosophical Perspectives on Space

The issue highlights the evolving stance of religious institutions towards space exploration and extraterrestrial life. It references the Vatican's 1959 announcement accepting the possibility of intelligent beings on other worlds. Furthermore, it features a speech by Bishop G. Bromley Oxnam of Baltimore, who predicted that humanity would come to know the inhabitants of other planets within the next 175 years, emphasizing the need for a "stretched mind" and fundamental readjustments in philosophy and theology. He envisioned a future characterized by intellect, peace, and love.

Scientific Exploration and Discoveries

Charles B. Moore, a scientist from Arthur D. Little, Inc., is credited with discovering water vapor in the atmosphere of Venus. This finding is presented as significant because water is a requirement for life as we know it, making Venus a more serious candidate for harboring life. The article notes that Moore had previously tracked a UFO in 1949 and suggested a government skywatch. The issue also touches upon the growing interest in building larger radio telescopes, including a powerful radar station planned for Arecibo, Puerto Rico, to study space and planets like Jupiter. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's plans to erect an astronomical observatory on the Moon are also mentioned.

Project Ozma and the Search for Extraterrestrial Signals

Dr. Frank Drake and his colleagues at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory are undertaking Project Ozma, an effort to detect radio signals from space that might indicate intelligent origin. The project aims to test the belief that highly developed beings exist on other worlds. The article explains that the project is named after Ozma, Queen of the Land of Oz, and that the signals sought could be from 'intelligent beings' or 'extraterrestrial coherent' transmissions.

UFO Sightings and Theories

The magazine presents several UFO sightings and related discussions:

• Soviet Space Attempts: Prof. Herman Oberth believes that four Soviet astronauts have died in attempts to reach space, based on American intelligence reports.
• Abominable Snowman: Sir Edmund Hillary is granted a permit to search for the legendary Abominable Snowman (Yeti) in the Himalayas with a scientific expedition.
• New Zealand Sighting: A mechanic in Otatara, New Zealand, reported an unidentified object pacing his car, described as having defined edges and a darker, unlit shape within.
• Winnfield, Louisiana Sighting: Multiple citizens reported a bright object in the skies, described as brighter than a star and the size of two fists, emitting a white diamond-like light.
• Boston Sighting: An unidentified flying object with "blue and yellow lights" was sighted over Greater Boston.
• Richard Hall's Hypothesis: Richard Hall proposes that UFOs might be intelligent space creatures that are amorphous or can change shape, maneuvering without mechanical aids. He suggests that these could be individual beings operating from a larger "mother-ship," and that their presence might be a form of display or observation.

Psychological Warfare and Defense

A significant portion of the magazine discusses the potential for psychological warfare, particularly concerning Soviet advancements. The author expresses concern that the US public might be complacent about potential threats. The idea of an orbiting, inflatable balloon-type satellite, visible from Earth, is presented as a potent psychological weapon that could be used to instill fear or demonstrate power without direct military conflict. The author contrasts this with the directness of Sir Winston Churchill during the Blitz, suggesting a need for the American people to face adversity with courage rather than being shielded from facts.

Other Noteworthy Items

• Life on Mars: Soviet scientist N. I. Kucherov reports that the observed color of Martian "seas" changes seasonally, suggesting they are not geological formations but possibly related to vegetation.
• Baltimore Poltergeist Activity: The Jones family in Baltimore reported strange occurrences, including flying objects and crashing items, which firemen and police could not explain.
• Dr. J. B. Rhine's Views: Dr. Rhine suggests that understanding the powers of the mind, extra-sensory perception, and mental telepathy may be key to explaining phenomena like ghost stories.
• Lecture Announcement: Betty McCain, a clairvoyant, author, and lecturer, is scheduled to give a lecture in Miami on "The Great Need for Man's Self Awareness."
• Eisenhower and Orbiting H-Bombs: The author criticizes President Eisenhower's statement that the Sputnik launch had no military significance, arguing that orbiting satellites could indeed be used for military purposes, including carrying nuclear warheads.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SPACE magazine revolve around the burgeoning space age, the scientific and theological implications of potential extraterrestrial life, and the ongoing mystery of UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as expressed by Norbert F. Gariety, is one of persistent inquiry and a commitment to publishing information despite financial challenges. The magazine aims to inform its readers and encourage critical thinking about these complex subjects, often linking scientific discoveries with philosophical and even spiritual considerations. There's a clear skepticism towards official explanations for UFO phenomena and a belief that the public should be more informed about potential threats and advancements, particularly from the Soviet Union.