SPACE - No 63 - 1962 03

Magazine Overview

Title: S. P. A. C. E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma)
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Issue Date: March 1962
Focus: This issue of S.P.A.C.E. magazine delves into UFO phenomena, astronaut sightings, government investigations, and broader societal concerns, particularly the perceived threat of Communism.

Space Firefly Mystery

The lead article, "SPACE FIREFLY MYSTERY SEEN BY ASTRONAUT JOHN H. GLENN, JR.," reports on Glenn's sighting of "space fireflies" during his orbital flight. Dispatches from the Associated Press and UPI detail how Glenn described luminous particles streaming past his spaceship, resembling snowflakes. Scientists at NASA expressed eagerness to question Glenn, while initially ruling out the Air Force's 'Project Needles' as too small to be seen. The article draws a strong parallel between Glenn's description and that of George Adamski, who, in his 1955 book "INSIDE THE SPACE SHIPS," described seeing "billions upon billions of fireflies" in space. The magazine suggests this confirmation validates Adamski's claims and challenges the U.S. Air Force's assertion of no physical evidence for UFOs.

The Air Force's Stance and NICAP's Concerns

An editorial titled "WHITEWASHING THE SAUCERS" criticizes the U.S. Air Force's report on flying saucers, suggesting it dismisses too many sightings. The article argues that while most sightings might be explained, the remaining 2-3% are significant. It highlights the concerns of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), which believes peculiar and inexplicable phenomena appear in Earth's airspace and urges defense personnel to be trained to distinguish UFOs from conventional aircraft and missiles to avoid mistaking enemy threats for UFOs.

The "WHAT THEY SAY" section compiles quotes from various individuals, including William Lear, Rear Admiral D. S. Fahrney, Captain W. B. Nash, Major L. F. Baker, Captain James Howard, Hermann Oberth, Captain Robert Adickes, and Dr. Clyde W. Tombaugh, all of whom have reported sightings or expressed belief in the reality of flying saucers and their extraterrestrial origin.

The Case for George Adamski

Richard Ogden, a private investigator, presents his upcoming book, "The Case for George Adamski's Contacts with Flying Saucers." He asserts that his book will provide documented evidence proving Adamski's stories true and clarifying the confusion surrounding his claims. Ogden states his purpose is to show that "WE ARE BEING VISITED BY PHYSICAL HUMAN BEINGS FROM OTHER WORLDS!" He challenges the Air Force's 1960 UFO Fact Sheet, which claimed civilian researchers refused to provide evidence.

The editor's note acknowledges the similarity between Adamski's and Glenn's descriptions of "fireflies" but points out differences in their reported altitudes. The editor expresses intrigue and suggests that the similarity warrants a re-examination of Adamski's claims, especially given that Adamski's book predates Glenn's flight by seven years.

A Haunted House in Michigan

A report from The Detroit NEWS details the experiences of the Lincoln family in Michigan, who claim their century-old home is haunted. They describe mysterious movements, bedcovers turning down, a frightened dog, and strange scents like incense and freshly baked bread. The disturbances reportedly began after they started extending a "Michigan Cellar" with fieldstone walls. The family has abandoned their basement project and put the house up for sale, wanting only to leave.

UFO Sightings from Around the US

Several UFO sightings are reported:

• Wapakoneta, Ohio: Johann Klein, Jr. reported seeing a fiery object descending toward earth, described as a ball of fire with blue, green, and red colors, making a whistling sound.
• Ukiah, California: Mr. and Mrs. Rawles reported seeing two cigar-shaped objects flying low and fast on the Ukiah-Boonville Road.
• Ukiah, California: Ed Giffen reported seeing a box-like object, about two feet square and four feet long, that vanished into thin air.
• Tasmania, Australia: Scientists examined a circular, five-ton carcass found on a beach, described as unlike any known creature, with rubbery flesh and wooly hair.
• Pasadena, California: Three astronomers found an "oddball" star, 3 Centauri A, with unusual characteristics, including the presence of helium 3 and krypton, suggesting a new area of study for high-energy nuclear reactions.

Anti-Communism and Societal Concerns

The magazine features a letter titled "DEAR PAPA: HOW COULD YOU?" from a son to his deceased farmer father. The letter expresses regret over the shift from American independence to "State Socialism" and ultimately Communism, blaming farmers for accepting "aid" and controls. The son describes his life under full government control, where his farming is dictated by allotments and security is paramount but costly. He laments the loss of freedom and the inability to meet with his pastor due to government restrictions.

An advertisement promotes the "Anti-Communism School of the Air" and reprints the "Dear Papa" letter as a tool to awaken Americans to the "Communist plan." It urges readers to fight Communism by enlisting others through the purchase of reprints.

Red Prisoners in Nuclear Tests

A report from the Lithuanian newspaper "Draugas" claims the Soviets are experimenting with live Lithuanian prisoners in nuclear tests, similar to Nazi practices in concentration camps. The prisoners were reportedly exposed to a bomb explosion to study radioactivity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of S.P.A.C.E. consistently promotes a skeptical view of official government explanations regarding UFOs, particularly those from the U.S. Air Force. It champions the idea that UFOs are real and potentially extraterrestrial in origin, using astronaut John Glenn's sighting as significant new evidence. The magazine also expresses a strong anti-Communist stance, framing the fight against Communism as a crucial battle for American freedom. The editorial tone is one of urgency and a call to awareness against perceived threats, both from the skies and from political ideologies.