SPACE - No 40 - 1960 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE
Issue: Bulletin No. 40
Date: April 1960
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety, Editor and Publisher
Location: Coral Gables, Florida, USA
Focus: Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma (S.P.A.C.E.)

This issue of SPACE magazine, published monthly, delves into UFO phenomena with a strong emphasis on photographic evidence and eyewitness accounts. The cover prominently features a German headline "Untertasse" über uns! (Saucer over us!) and a sensational photograph from Styria, Austria, accompanied by the sub-headline "Sensationsbild aus der Steiermark Völlig rätselhaft" (Sensational picture from Styria, completely mysterious).

Front Page and Editorial Stance

The front page includes a brief English statement questioning the Air Force's definition of "physical evidence" for UFOs, citing Captain Edward J. Ruppelt's perspective. It poses the question of what truly constitutes proof, suggesting that a ground radar detection and jet intercept, where the pilot sees and locks onto the object, should suffice. The magazine also notes its publication details, including the publisher, editor, and address, as well as a post office box in Morristown, New Jersey.

"Untertasse" über uns! - The Vienna Sighting

The lead story provides an English translation of a report from the Wiener Montag newspaper concerning a sighting near Vienna, Austria, on March 2, 1960. Edgar Schedelbauer, a staff photographer, witnessed and photographed a mysterious "Flying Object" approximately 15 meters above the ground. The object, described as a "glowing spider," rotated, emitted heat, and then ascended rapidly. Photo experts reportedly found the picture to be authentic. Schedelbauer's account was rigorously cross-examined, and he reported experiencing physical effects, including red spots on his face and hands. The Vienna Meteorological station ruled out conventional explanations like balloons, lightning, or meteors.

The magazine's editor adds a note, praising the photograph's quality and analyzing its potential movement during the exposure. The analysis suggests that if the object was rotating and moving upward, it could explain the blurred lower portion of the image, while the upper portion remains sharp. The editor concludes that the object is a genuine "saucer-shaped object."

Other Sightings and Reports

Flying Object Seen Near North Platte, Nebraska

On March 7, 1960, Glenn Viehmeyer observed a bright object, comparable in magnitude to the brighter stars, traveling at high speed for 25-30 seconds before disappearing southeast. The FAA reported no unusual observations.

Air Force Checking Object Seen Over Vermont

On March 2, 1960, officials at Ethan Allen AF Base were investigating a report of a strange flying object sighted over Vergennes. The object was described as "large and round with a steady white light and a rosy colored tail."

"Pizza Pie" or Flying Saucer?

A report from Grand Blanc, Michigan, details the FBI's investigation into a photograph taken by Joe Perry. The photo shows a saucer-like object silhouetted against the full moon, described as radiating a green trail and appearing closer than the moon. The object was noted to be round with a dome.

Yellow Snow Falls in Kazakhstan

This section, while not directly related to UFOs, is included as an unexplained phenomenon. Yellow snow fell in Kazakhstan, attributed by meteorologists to soil particles from China's Yellow River valley being whipped up by a storm.

UFO Sighted Near Syracuse, N.Y.

Fred Moore, an amateur astronomer, reported seeing an object described as twin tubes or flares of light moving slowly westward. Air Force officials suggested it could be the sun reflecting on jet vapor trails, but Moore stated it was unlike any plane he had seen.

Mile Long Island Rises From the Sea

An island emerged from the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador on March 25, 1960, heralded by earth tremors and underground noises.

U.S. Divers in Quest of Sodom Find Trace of Ruins

A U.S. expedition of divers searching for the lost Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah reported finding evidence of ruins at the bottom of the Dead Sea.

Terror of the Heath

This article describes a series of incendiary fires in Luenburg, Germany, causing significant damage. While a suspect was apprehended, police admitted he might not be the culprit, leading to speculation about other causes.

Missing Couple Baffles Scotland Yard

A report on the unsolved disappearance of Jack and Mary Love in London on November 26, 1956. Their car had limited range, and they vanished without a trace, leaving authorities baffled.

Akron UFO Groups Scores Again

The UFO Research Committee of Akron, Ohio, published a report on the Capt. Killian American Airlines sighting of three glowing lights. The committee sent the report to all Senators and Representatives but received no replies, leading to frustration expressed by Director George Popowitch about the lack of government response and public apathy.

"Keep Them Flying -- and the Doors Closed"

This section discusses the perceived reluctance of authorities to seriously investigate and disclose UFO information. The editor expresses a belief that extraterrestrials would not observe indefinitely without making contact and criticizes the stance of "keeping them flying and the doors closed."

NICAP Congratulations

The magazine congratulates NICAP for airing the sighting of Father McGill in New Guinea, where he and about 30 parishioners witnessed UFO activity for four hours. NICAP acknowledges the report's credibility due to its source and the witnesses involved.

APRO and the Sample of Metal

APRO released a report about a sample of material believed to be extraterrestrial. The magazine notes that a similar hot metal sample was found near Erie, Pennsylvania, and its analysis is being compared to the APRO sample. The constituents of the Erie sample included Calcium, Aluminum, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Silicon, Titanium, Barium, Strontium, Chromium, Vanadium, Zirconium, Boron, and Copper.

Eavesdrop on Planets

A space science group proposed landing microphones on Mars and Venus to listen for life, as part of recommendations for planetary exploration. While the likelihood of noisy life is considered remote, the project aims to leave no stone unturned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SPACE magazine are the presentation and analysis of UFO sightings, particularly those supported by photographic evidence. The editorial stance is critical of official government responses and definitions of proof regarding UFOs, advocating for more open investigation and disclosure. The magazine also highlights unexplained phenomena beyond UFOs, such as mysterious fires and geological events, suggesting a broader interest in the "beyond" and the limitations of current scientific understanding. There is a consistent emphasis on the importance of eyewitness testimony and the need for the public to be informed, even when official channels remain silent or dismissive. The editor frequently uses rhetorical questions and direct commentary to engage the reader and express skepticism towards conventional explanations when they seem inadequate.