SPACE - No 47 - 1960 11

Magazine Overview

This issue of S.P.A.C.E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma), published monthly from Coral Gables, Florida, in November 1960, focuses on the increasing number of UFO reports and the public's growing dissatisfaction with the Air Force's official explanations. The cover headline directly challenges the Air Force's definition of 'physical evidence,' questioning whether radar detection and pilot sightings constitute proof.

The Tempo Increases

The editorial notes a rise in UFO reports from subscribers and contemporary publications, with some newspapers beginning to cover local incidents more frequently. However, wire services are perceived as releasing just enough information to maintain public interest without causing alarm. The magazine highlights a critical stance taken by some newspapers regarding the official policy.

"Don't Be Alarmed If One Falls on Your Head ---- It Doesn't Exist" by Bob Tangeman

This article from the San Fernando, Calif. SUN criticizes the Air Force's policy on UFOs, stating that their explanations often say nothing and explain less. The author argues that the government's pose of 'what people don't know won't hurt them' is unacceptable. The article asserts that evidence supports the notion that UFOs are interplanetary vehicles and that professional and technical people have testified to their reality, beyond explanations like weather balloons or mass delusions. A specific incident involving Mrs. Jerry Coffelt and her family witnessing two red and green objects maneuvering for 45 minutes is cited as an example of credible testimony.

Evidence of Saucer Landing in England

A farmer named Bill Edwards discovered two concentric circles of imprints in his pasture, approximately 23 feet and 16 feet in diameter, with 4-inch wide imprints and burned grass edges. The depth of the imprints was about one inch. The ground was hard due to a lack of recent rain, suggesting a heavy circular object had landed. No signs of vehicle approach were found, and the circles were not present two days prior.

Near-Landing in France

Daniel Huot and his wife reported a bright round object, the color of the setting sun, hovering about 10 feet above the ground near Moulee and Lille. The UFO followed their car for half a mile at a distance of about 100 feet, making no noise and emitting no smoke. The object was described as 15 feet high and 10 feet wide, brightly lit on the bottom and darker on top. Mrs. Huot claimed to have seen a human form within the machine.

Close Sighting in a Colorado Canyon

Ray Hawks, a truck driver from Boulder, Colorado, reported a UFO that dropped from a cloud and hovered about 400-500 feet away for 15 minutes. The craft was estimated to be 45-50 feet in diameter and 10-15 feet thick, with a velvety, silver sheen and no markings. Five metal plates were observed near the outer edge, one emitting bluish smoke. An all-pervading noise, like a generator out of phase, was heard, and Hawks' tractor's electrical equipment temporarily failed.

Eight Sight Flying Disk Over Marin

Eight people, including six youngsters, in San Rafael, California, reported seeing a mysterious flying disk during a partial solar eclipse. The object was described as gleaming silver and oval-shaped, speeding towards Mount Tamalpais and disappearing in about 20 seconds, emitting rays. A San Anselmo family also reported a similar bright round object zig-zagging across the sky.

Mystery Sub Now Hunted Off Hawaii

The Pacific Anti-Submarine Force initiated a search for a mysterious underwater object described as being a long way from known submarine bases. The 40,000-ton aircraft carrier Kearsarge and four destroyers were involved. Vice Adm. J. 3. Thach stated the object was in an area under his command and he wanted to know what it was, maintaining a considerable hush-hush atmosphere.

The magazine notes that many mystery underwater objects are not submarines. It references the Gulfo Neuvo incident where 'unknowns' were allegedly trapped but escaped. The conclusion drawn is that UFOs have been seen entering and leaving the ocean, suggesting they can disappear under cover of darkness and ascend into space.

Jet on a Balloondoggle

Passengers on a jet flight over Ohio reported seeing an unidentified flying object (UFO). Captain Lorne V. Petrie maneuvered the 707 Superjet for passengers to observe the object at an altitude of 11,000 feet and took pictures. Upon landing in Chicago, the film was processed by the Air National Guard, which confirmed the sighting. Authorities identified the object as a weather balloon released in the Detroit area. The magazine expresses skepticism, questioning why pilots would go to such lengths for a mere weather balloon.

UFO Surveillance Link With Space

An important policy letter from the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force revealed that the Air Force maintains continuous surveillance of the atmosphere for UFOs and that its interest in space surveillance is related to this alert. This round-the-clock watch is carried out by the National Space Surveillance Control Center with the aid of a scientific group.

The magazine recalls General Arno Leuhman's dismissive attitude towards UFOs in a Miami Daily NEWS interview, contrasting it with his current role. The editor had challenged Leuhman to a public debate, which went unanswered.

Little Men in Mozambique

A report from Portuge News Agency "Lusitania" described an explosion of a saucer near Baira, Mozambique. Residents saw a round orange object emitting a glow, which landed, and four small creatures emerged before the craft exploded with a large concussion. The object made a loud whistling noise during flight and was witnessed by hundreds.

The magazine speculates on the possibility of these 'wee people' being stranded extraterrestrials, perhaps exiled and hiding from giants, possessing ESP abilities.

Flying Saucers Hushed Up

Peter Lawless, a salesman from Manchester, England, told the Aetherius Society that the Air Ministry had unofficially admitted the existence of flying saucers from other planets. He stated that aircraft had tailed some but lost them due to their speed. The Ministry allegedly wanted to release this information but was stopped by politicians. A Ministry spokesman declined to confirm the story.

Dinosaur Tracks Reported by Reds

Soviet scientists reportedly discovered footprints of giant dinosaurs dating back 200,000,000 years in sandstone in Soviet Asia, according to Tass. This discovery is expected to help locate the burial place of these prehistoric monsters.

UFO's Are Reported in Del Norte

Six unidentified flying objects were reported seen in Crescent City, Del Norte Co., California, by 13 people, including a federal aviation agency employee. The objects were described as faster, lower, and brighter than the Echo satellite. Three flew southeast, two southwest, and one moved erratically.

Fletcher King's UFO Sightings

From West Hollywood, Florida, Fletcher King has reported a lone UFO more interested in the Everglades area than the Gold Coast. He described the object as having a moderate brightness, sometimes a dull red, rather than a white light, with an ellipsoidal light pattern. He believes the pilot is becoming bolder, coming closer, but the general shape and size remain unknown.

UFO's Active Again Over Caracas Skies

Numerous citizens in Caracas, Venezuela, reported unidentified luminous objects executing 'Weird maneuvers' over the eastern sector of the city. These objects were described as cigar-shaped or disk-like, emitting luminosity, and maneuvering freely. Witnesses agreed they were manufactured apparatuses under intelligent control, not planes, rockets, or natural phenomena. Similar reports of 'luminous aerial craft' were received from Brazil during May 1960.

Astronomers at the Palma Majorca Observatory reported a 'mysterious triangular shaped object' spinning over the region. In July, a luminous disk-like device was seen hovering over a slag dump near Leefe, Wyoming, and a luminous 'globe' was seen crossing the skies over Los Angeles.

Fisherman Sees UFO Over Atlantic

Elton Hodges of Miami reported seeing a bright glowing object over the Atlantic moving at high speed. The object appeared to have a bright exhaust that suddenly went out, and then two curved arcs of light appeared behind the main object, resembling the sweep of a tropical fish's tail. This phenomenon has been reported multiple times in the Miami area without proper explanation.

The Theology of Outer Space

This section explores the question of whether the stars and planets sustain intelligent beings and the implications for communication. Scientists and theologians are seriously investigating the possibility of extraterrestrial life and its impact on Catholic doctrines such as Incarnation, Redemption, and Original Sin. The article references Father Joseph Pohle's 1884 book, "The Galaxies and Their Inhabitants," which argued for the existence of rational beings beyond Earth to bear witness to God's creativity. However, it notes that Catholic scripture and tradition do not mandate belief in extraterrestrial inhabitants. The existence of angels is acknowledged, but the discussion focuses on potential intelligent beings. The possibility of Christ being their head and Redeemer is considered, though it's also suggested that God might not have given these creatures a supernatural goal. The article cites a 1955 TIME magazine report on speculation about sending missionaries to outer space, with some theologians believing that the Christian order of redemption was realized for Earth only. Father Francis Connell, C.S.S.R., however, saw no difficulty in admitting the possibility of rational life in outer space, stating that Church teachings do not preclude it. Father Domenico Grasso, S.J., suggested that if extraterrestrial races exist, they must be created by God but are likely outside the 'ordained area of the Church.' The discussion concludes that theologians are compelled to continue their search, especially with predictions of manned flights to Mars. The article ends with a quote from Agnes Meynell's "Christ in the Universe," suggesting a future comparison of human and alien gospels.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reporting of UFO phenomena, the perceived lack of transparency and adequate explanation from official bodies like the Air Force, and the exploration of the profound theological and philosophical questions raised by the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The magazine's stance is one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the evidence presented and to question official narratives. It advocates for a more open and intelligent approach to the UFO phenomenon, suggesting it can no longer be ignored. The publication also promotes its own subscription as a Christmas gift, positioning itself as a source for UFO information.