SPACE - No 44 - 1960 08

Magazine Overview

SPACE, published monthly from Coral Gables, Florida, by Norbert F. Gariety, presents its August 1960 issue (Bulletin No. 44) with a cover headline questioning the Air Force's definition of 'physical evidence' for UFOs, quoting Capt. Edward J. Ruppelt. The magazine covers a variety of unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, sea monsters, archaeological finds, and astronomical discoveries.

UFO Reports and Air Force Investigations

The issue notes an upswing in UFO reports reaching S.P.A.C.E. headquarters in July 1960. It highlights the Air Force's recurring statement that they continue to 'PROBE ON SAUCERS' despite 13 years of investigation yielding no evidence. The magazine criticizes this stance, suggesting the Air Force may be withholding information or unable to explain phenomena.

Several specific UFO sightings are detailed:

• Florida Sighting: On July 2, 1960, Herman W. Childress and his wife reported a white saucer-shaped object moving soundlessly near Lake Wales and Frostproof, Florida. The object ascended rapidly to an altitude of 3,000-4,000 feet and then seemed to change direction.
• North Carolina Incident: A family of seven in Lexington, N.C., was reportedly driven from their home by unexplainable 'hot flashes' that caused uncontrollable shaking.
• Texas 'Ghost Hunters': Youths in San Antonio claimed to be searching for a white-garbed figure that could disappear at will, reporting encounters where a 'thing' grabbed one youth and his arm disappeared into it. Farmers were arming themselves for protection.
• Atlanta Demolition: A mysterious object caused an explosion at the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, creating a two-foot diameter hole and leaving metallic fragments. Dobbins Air Force Base was called in to investigate, but officials declined to comment.
• Los Angeles Sightings: On August 1, 1960, multiple reports of eerie lights and flying saucers were received over the Southland, described as bluish-white or red-and-green.
• Italian Sighting: Thousands witnessed a luminous, illuminated sphere of glass speed across the northern Italian sky.
• Miami Mystery: On July 22, 1960, Miami experienced reports of a disappearing star with a bright halo and a 'Spaceman' on the beach.
• Mystery Balloon: A large, unidentified balloon was observed drifting over western Washington.

Other Unexplained Phenomena and Discoveries

Beyond UFOs, the magazine explores other intriguing topics:

• Sea Monsters: Reports include sightings of a 70-foot sea monster off Gloucester, Massachusetts, and claims by English University scientists of a family of five Loch Ness monsters in Scotland, described with specific physical characteristics.
• Archaeological Finds: The issue details the discovery of a Mayan temple in Mexico, believed to be over 1400 years old, and a piece of ancient mastodon bone found in Mexico with drawings dating back 30,000 years.
• Mammoth Bones: Soviet news agencies reported the discovery of mammoth bones, flesh, and wool that died 12,000 years ago in Siberia.
• Volcano Eruption: A rescue ship evacuated 268 inhabitants from a tiny Pacific island following a violent volcano eruption.
• Tanker Incident: The Coast Guard investigated an incident where a 603-foot tanker was ripped by an 'unidentified object' in the East River, New York.
• New Galaxy: British astronomers announced the discovery of a new galaxy of stars, 36 quadrillion miles distant.
• Kangaroo Meat: Two Pennsylvania state officials charged that thousands of pounds of illegal kangaroo meat had been sold in sausages.
• Jupiter's Magnetic Storms: A study at the University of Colorado suggests a predictable pattern for Jupiter's magnetic storms, potentially offering insights into Earth's phenomena.

Editorial Commentary and Speculation

The magazine frequently interjects editorial notes and questions. The editor expresses skepticism towards official explanations, particularly from the Air Force, and suggests that the 'natives' might be too easily placed by headlines. The publication also speculates on the connection between UFO activity and other strange occurrences, such as the 'kangaroo' report and unusual animal sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SPACE magazine are the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs, the perceived lack of transparency from official agencies like the Air Force, and the exploration of various unexplained phenomena from cryptozoology to astronomical discoveries. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official narratives and an open-minded curiosity towards unconventional explanations, often questioning whether these events are coincidences or part of a larger, unknown pattern. The magazine encourages readers to interpret facts and sift through information rather than accepting pronouncements at face value.