SPACE - No 49 - 1961 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE
Issue: Bulletin No. 49
Date: January 1961
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety, Editor and Publisher
Location: Coral Gables, Florida
Focus: Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma (S. P. A. C. E.)

This issue of SPACE magazine, published monthly from Coral Gables, Florida, delves into various aspects of the unexplained, with a particular focus on UFO sightings, government investigations, and the broader spectrum of psychic phenomena. The January 1961 edition notes a lull in UFO reports, coinciding with the release of Lt. Col. Lawrence J. Tacker's book, "Flying Saucers and the Air Force." The magazine questions the Air Force's definition of "physical evidence" for UFOs, citing examples where radar and pilot sightings should constitute proof.

Air Force Stance and Psychological Impact

The cover story highlights the Air Force's declaration of an end to the "flying saucer era," comparing it to the spiritualism craze of the early 20th century. Lt. Col. Tacker, an Air Force Information Officer and author, suggests that the imminent advent of manned space flight will signify the end of the saucer era. While the Air Force does not deny the possibility of extraterrestrial life or visits, they maintain that "to date it has not happened." Tacker notes that unexplained sightings have dropped to 2% of the total in the last five years. The issue also touches upon the Air Force's reluctance to officially admit the reality of UFOs, citing a NASA report that warns of the profound psychological impact such a discovery could have on civilization, potentially leading to disintegration or drastic change.

Notable UFO Sightings and Cases

The magazine reviews several recent UFO reports that were notably absent from Lt. Col. Tacker's book. These include:

• A sighting in Vienna, Austria, on March 8, 1960, accompanied by a story and photograph.
• An incident on August 26, 1960, near Chicago, where the director of the Adler Planetarium and 200 witnesses observed an object traveling opposite the trajectory of Echo I at twice its speed.
• A large glowing light seen over Caracas, Venezuela, on September 16, 1960.
• An unusual event in Czechoslovakia at the end of November 1959, involving an Air Force officer and another witness who observed a sapphire-colored band and a fire-ball with unbelievable speed and maneuverability.
• A follow-up report on UFOs in Papua New Guinea during the summer of 1959, detailing color-changing lights, spherical objects, and eccentric discs observed by numerous witnesses, including Fr. Gill.
• An early photographic record from Zacatecas, Mexico, in 1883, by Jose Bonilla, who captured images of luminous objects passing across the sun.

Psychic Phenomena and the Unexplained

Beyond UFOs, the issue explores various paranormal topics:

Witchcraft in Europe

Despite advancements in space technology, the magazine reports that fears of witchcraft persist in rural Europe, particularly in Germany. Thousands of people still scan the heavens for witches, and numerous cases involving witchcraft and exorcism come before the courts annually. Books on black magic remain popular, and scholars are tracing modern survivals of ancient beliefs.

The Bridey Murphy Case Revisited

Eight years after Morey Bernstein's book brought the Bridey Murphy case to prominence, the magazine revisits the story of Virginia Burns Tighe, the Pueblo housewife who, under hypnosis, recounted memories of an Irish girl named Bridey Murphy. Tighe expresses a desire to forget the experience, stating that many people believe the case was a hoax, which has hurt her.

Extrasensory Perception (ESP)

The issue dedicates significant space to ESP, highlighting its growing recognition as a legitimate field of scientific research. It mentions Duke University's ongoing research and "Reader's Digest" roundups of authenticated ESP events. The magazine also discusses the potential for projecting thoughts and receiving them, questioning whether the mind is solely limited to the five senses. Experiments with mushrooms that induce ecstatic visions and confer powers approaching ESP are also mentioned.

Other Unexplained Phenomena

Other topics include the psychological impact of discovering intelligent extraterrestrial life, as warned by a NASA report; the phenomenon of "deja vu"; and the existence of "poltergeists," invisible entities that cause disturbances.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official explanations for unexplained phenomena, particularly those from the Air Force. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, psychic abilities, and other mysteries, encouraging readers to consider multiple perspectives. There is a clear skepticism towards official pronouncements that dismiss these phenomena without thorough investigation. The issue concludes by reiterating the unexplained nature of many reported events, suggesting that the 2% of unexplained UFO cases, such as those from Papua New Guinea, warrant further attention, and questions why Lt. Col. Tacker's book failed to address them.