SPACE - No 64 - 1962 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE
Issue: Bulletin No. 64
Volume: April 1962
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Location: Coral Gables, Florida, USA
Theme: This issue of SPACE magazine delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, UFO reports, scientific mysteries, and archaeological findings, reflecting its focus on "Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma."

Articles and Reports

UFOs and Air Force Stance The issue opens by addressing the Air Force's assertion of having no "PHYSICAL EVIDENCE" for UFOs, contrasting this with the potential for proof through radar detection and pilot interception. It notes a lull in "flaps" following recent pronouncements, suggesting a possible disappearance of sightings or a shift in public attention.

The Tasmania Monster Solved? Scientists in Hobart, Tasmania, reported that the much-discussed "sea monster" was likely a large lump of whale blubber. They found no bones and attributed the "fur" to the hardening of the blubber by wind and water.

Sea Serpent Sighting in British Columbia Alan MacLean of Campbell River, B.C., reported seeing a 14-foot long sea serpent with an ivory-colored body and red veins. He claims it was in a kelp bed for about 15 minutes before fishermen, mistaking it for a sea lion, fired upon it, causing it to disappear. The report links this to the long-standing debate about the existence of the "Cadborasorous" sea serpent.

Mystery Jugs on the Pacific Coast A Victoria fisherman, Ray Lund, discovered a sealed earthenware jug with a small neck on the beach at Cape Cook. This jug is similar to others found along the Pacific coast, baffling historians. Dr. Clifford Carl of the B.C. provincial museum noted its clay composition and potential oriental origin.

Ice Chunk Falls on House In the City of Commerce, California, Henry Van Unen found a large hole in his roof through which water was trickling. Deputies speculated that a chunk of ice from a jet airliner's wing had fallen onto the house, melting by the time it was discovered.

Stonehenge Puzzle In Salisbury, England, archaeologist Miss E. V. W. Field discovered a unique funnel-shaped depression leading to a deep shaft near the Stonehenge circle. Initial theories of a Roman well were dismissed due to the discovery of Bronze Age shards.

British Expedition to Seek Prehistoric Monsters The Royal Air Force organized an expedition to trap and film "prehistoric monsters" on a jungle-covered island in North Malaya, used as a bombing range.

"Needle" Mystery Explained Scientists revealed that the 350-million tiny copper wires launched into space by U.S. scientists had not formed a belt as planned but were orbiting in several clumps. A second launch was planned to create a ring for reflecting microwave radio messages.

Support for NICAP The editor strongly supports Major Donald E. Keyhoe and NICAP's efforts to secure a Congressional hearing on UFOs. The article emphasizes the importance of supporting NICAP financially to prevent the UFO field from being dominated by the "lunatic fringe" and those promoting "un-American propaganda."

Anti-Communism Stance The publication adopts a strong anti-Communist stance, believing that hidden Communists are a greater threat than known ones, influencing media and altering American ideals. This stance has drawn criticism, but the editor maintains it is a service to the country.

John Glenn's "Fireflies" Astronaut John H. Glenn, Jr. doubts the theory that the "fireflies" he saw during his orbital flight were flecks of paint from his capsule. He stated, "We will have to wait for more information on the next flight."

Colchester Mystery Mr. Peter Green of West Mersea, England, reported seeing a dark grey object hovering over Colchester, which then disappeared. This sighting was compared to a previously reported hovering spaceship over Halstead.

Malvern Sightings Several reports from Malvern, England, describe a strange "comet-like" object with a bright green light, which appeared to explode. Similar objects had been seen previously, but meteorological explanations were inconclusive.

Father Gill Re-affirms Papuan Sighting Rev. William Gill, a key witness to a 1959 Papuan sighting, reaffirmed his belief in the existence of something "out there" after his initial skepticism.

Strange Craft at Shannon Two men in Shannon reported seeing a craft with a bright beam and lights hovering above a tree, which then moved away rapidly.

Slab Unearthed in Ohio Ernest Reed, a farmer in Jackson, Ohio, unearthed a carved stone slab with the words "22 men...Joe Bliao...die...1507." This discovery could challenge historical timelines of European presence in North America.

"Spacemen" Fraud Case Agents of the State Division of Corporations were investigating Reinhold 0. Schmidt, who allegedly defrauded Californians of $50,000 by selling shares in a movie about "people from outer space" and claiming to have made flying saucer trips.

Arctic Undersea Jungle An underwater camera operated by the Lamont Geological Laboratory revealed a "veritable undersea jungle of life" in the Arctic Ocean, including numerous starfish, bryozoans, and other marine life, particularly on a shallow peninsula.

Temple Unearthed in Peru Archaeologists in Peru reported the unearthing of a large temple, ceramic workshop, and storage rooms at the pre-Inca ruins of Pachacamac.

Science and Space Exploration Reports discuss the ongoing efforts to understand life on Mars and Venus, with projections that the question of Martian life could be answered within a decade. NASA's research includes studying planetary atmospheres and environments for future space missions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SPACE magazine revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), mysterious natural occurrences (sea monsters, strange lights), archaeological enigmas, and the exploration of space and extraterrestrial life. The magazine also prominently features a strong anti-Communist editorial stance, advocating for patriotism and vigilance against subversion, which is presented as a necessary counterpoint to what the editor perceives as "un-American propaganda" within the UFO community. The editor expresses support for NICAP and Major Keyhoe's efforts but also highlights concerns about the broader UFO field's susceptibility to misinformation and ideological manipulation.