Magazine Summary
S.P.A.C.E.
Summary
This July 1960 issue of SPACE Magazine delves into various unexplained phenomena and future predictions. It discusses the possibility of extraterrestrial probes in our solar system, citing radio astronomer Ronald N. Bracewell's theories. The magazine also covers reports of UFO sightings, including a mysterious object in Loch Ness and strange lights in Ohio. Unusual weather events in Norway and the emergence of a new island in the Caspian Sea are noted. Predictions for space travel and contact with extraterrestrial intelligences are explored, alongside concerns about atomic fallout versus food additives.
Magazine Overview
This issue of S.P.A.C.E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma), dated July 1960, is published monthly from Coral Gables, Florida, by Norbert F. Gariety. The cover prominently features the word 'SPACE' and highlights the Air Force's stance on the lack of physical evidence for UFOs, posing the question of what constitutes proof.
Extraterrestrial Contact and Space Exploration
The lead article discusses the gradual revelation of extraterrestrial presence, citing a report by radio astronomer Ronald N. Bracewell of Stanford University. Bracewell theorizes that advanced extraterrestrial communities might be sending probes to investigate stars, including our solar system, and listening for radio signals. He suggests these probes might echo transmissions with a time delay, referencing a phenomenon observed by C. Stormer. Bracewell also speculates that these civilizations might be motivated to contact Earth before potential self-destruction via nuclear fusion.
The magazine contrasts this scientific speculation with the claims of George Adamski, noting the Air Force's silence on his assertions. It suggests this silence could be indicative of the Air Force potentially considering his claims true but unwilling to admit it publicly.
Dr. Edward Teller, inventor of the H-bomb, is quoted discussing the dangers of space travel. He posits that a space traveler might age significantly more than those on Earth, potentially leading to a disorienting return. He also touches upon the possibility of recognizing alien life and the vastness of the universe, suggesting that Earth might be a mere 'suburban' outpost. Teller also discusses the theoretical use of antimatter for propulsion, noting the extreme reactions it could cause.
Unexplained Phenomena and Sightings
The issue reports on several unexplained phenomena:
- Loch Ness Monster: A movie showing a blurred object in Loch Ness was screened on British Television. Aeronautical engineer Timothy Dinsdale photographed the object, describing it as resembling a submarine's conning tower. The Queen reportedly inquired about what would be done if the monster were ever caught.
- Toccoa Blasts: Loud blasts and reports of mystery objects falling from planes caused concern in Toccoa, Georgia. An Air Force spokesman denied any jets were in the area capable of breaking the sound barrier.
- New Island: Moscow radio reported the emergence of a new island in the Caspian Sea, formed by a mud volcano eruption.
- Strange Lights: Two strange lights were observed over Painesville, Ohio, by multiple witnesses, including a private pilot and sheriff's deputies. The lights changed colors and moved erratically.
- Newtown Sighting: Approximately 200 residents in Newtown, Ohio, sighted a bright object with colored lights extending from it.
- Antarctic Discovery: Soviet polar scientists identified a large depression in Antarctica, named the International Geophysical Year Valley, which may be the world's largest glacier.
Predictions and Future Outlook
Predictions for the future are a recurring theme. The National Enquirer features a prophecy by Criswell about a 'White Death' and subsequent floods. Another publication, MARK-AGE, offers predictions including contact with extraterrestrials, advancements in food technology, and political changes in various countries. A Congressional Committee is pushing for a manned moon landing by 1970.
Religious and Scientific Perspectives
Rev. Dr. Robert J. McCracken of Riverside Church discussed 'God and Outer Space,' suggesting that if outer space is populated by civilized humans, a belief akin to Christianity must exist. He urged Christians to expand their understanding of God as the creator of countless galaxies and worlds.
Dr. Harlow Shapley, an astronomer, expressed skepticism about other planets actively seeking contact with Earth, though he agreed that extraterrestrial organisms likely exist.
Other Noteworthy Items
- Food Additives vs. Fallout: Dr. Edward Teller stated that the danger from chemical additives in food supply is greater than from atomic fallout.
- Chilean Earthquake: An earthquake in Chile produced 'free vibrations' that caused the entire planet to quiver like a guitar string for several days.
- S.P.A.C.E. Radio Program: The editor, Norbert F. Gariety, hosts a radio program called 'SPACE STATION' on WMIE, Miami.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, space exploration, and speculative theories about extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inquisitive, presenting various claims and scientific hypotheses without definitive judgment, often encouraging readers to consider new possibilities. There's a recurring theme of challenging conventional thinking and embracing the 'SPACE AGE' with a broader perspective, particularly concerning religious and philosophical implications. The editor's notes often add commentary, encouraging further thought and questioning established norms.
If there is life out there, then where is everybody? Is it possible that it is a form of life that we may not recognize as such, and isn't it even more possible that we in our galaxy may just be suburbans living in a god-forsaken outpost?
Key Incidents
A UFO allegedly landed at the River Entrance to the Pentagon, or was detected by radar, intercepted by a jet, and then streaked away at a phenomenal speed.
Radio astronomer Ronald N. Bracewell proposed that superior extraterrestrial communities might be using probes to investigate stars, including Earth, and listening for radio transmissions.
A 40-second movie showing a blurred object, described as a 'sea serpent' or 'monster', moving in Loch Ness was screened on British Television.
Winter conditions, including snowstorms and frost, were reported in Norway on the first day of July, suggesting unusual weather patterns.
Loud blasts and reports of mystery objects falling from planes rattled nerves and caused concern in northeast Georgia.
Moscow radio reported the emergence of a new island, 900 feet long and 12-15 feet above sea level, following a mud volcano eruption.
Two strange lights were observed in the sky for over an hour by residents, the pilot Paul Palmer, and sheriff's deputies, moving and changing colors.
About 200 residents sighted a bright object with colored lights extending from it, which darted south.
Dr. Harlow Shapley, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy at Harvard, questioned the suggestion that beings on other planets are seeking contact with Earth.
Soviet polar scientists reported the discovery of a tremendous depression, named the International Geophysical Year Valley, possibly extending under the South Pole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Air Force's stance on physical evidence of UFOs?
The Air Force states that it has no physical evidence that UFOs even exist, questioning what would constitute proof.
What is Ronald N. Bracewell's theory about extraterrestrial probes?
Bracewell suggests that superior communities in the Milky Way might use probes to investigate stars, listening for radio transmissions and echoing them with a time delay.
What unusual weather was reported in Norway in July 1960?
Winter conditions, including snowstorms and frost, were reported in Norway on the first day of July, with temperatures typical of a mild winter.
What did Dr. Edward Teller say about space travel dangers?
Dr. Teller warned that a space pioneer might return 50 years older, with the world having aged 3 million years, and could end up in a zoo rather than being a hero.
What is the significance of the 'International Geophysical Year Valley' discovery?
Soviet polar scientists discovered a large depression in Antarctica, named the International Geophysical Year Valley, which may extend under the South Pole and is evidence of geological provinces.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Capt. Edward J. RuppeltChief Investigator for Project Bluebook
- Ronald N. Bracewellradio astronomer
- C. StormerNorwegian
- George Adamskicontactee
- Timothy DinsdaleAeronautical engineer
- Alderman J. S. Davismayor of Windsor
- Criswellprognosticator
- Harry S. Trumanformer Pres.
- Dr. Edward Tellerinventor of the H bomb, noted physicist
- Roy Tayloracting police chief
- Dr. Harlow ShapleyProfessor Emeritus of Astronomy
- Dr. Robert J. McCrackenminister
- +6 more
Organisations
- Air Force
- Project Bluebook
- Stanford University
- NATURE
- NEWSWEEK
- Spacetrack
- Lamont Geological Observatory of Columbia University
- Mark-Age
- NASA
- Atomic Energy Commission
- Vatican
- Methodist church
- Coast Guard
- United States Navy
- +5 more
Locations
- Wright Field, USA
- Pentagon, USA
- New Bedford, USA
- Venus
- Milky Way galaxy
- Scotland, UK
- Loch Ness, UK
- Windsor, Canada
- Peterborough, Canada
- Toronto, Canada
- TOCCOA, USA
- Dobbins Air Base, USA
- Georgia, USA
- Caspian Sea
- +6 more