SPACE - No 65 - 1962 05

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE
Issue: Bulletin No. 65
Date: May 1962
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SPACE magazine, published monthly from Coral Gables, Florida, focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, alongside strong political commentary. The cover headline highlights "X15 FILM SHOWS MYSTERY OBJECTS" with the sub-headline "Pilot, Astronauts say they saw Flying Dises'."

X15 Film Shows Mystery Objects

The lead article reports on famed test pilot Joe Walker's disclosure that films taken during his recent flight in the rocket-powered X15 experimental plane to a record height of 246,700 feet showed five or six mysterious objects. These were described as "disc-shaped, or perhaps even cylindrical." Walker stated he did not see the objects himself during the flight but observed them in later study of the film. He noted it was impossible to estimate their size or distance. American Astronaut John H. Glenn, also on the panel, reported seeing "firefly-like objects" during his orbital flights, which he felt were not snowflakes or paint peeling off the capsule, as some were coming toward him and appeared to be about the size of a firefly and greenish-yellow, traveling at speeds comparable to the capsule. Russian Cosmonaut Gherman Titov also reported seeing similar "fireflies."

However, a subsequent report from Edwards Air Force Base, California, identified the "mysterious objects" filmed by the X-15 as "actually flakes of ice" from the aircraft's fuel tanks and caused by liquid oxygen. Additional film from another camera on the X-15 showed ice breaking off the plane.

Other Sightings and Incidents

The magazine compiles several other reports of unexplained phenomena:

• Mysterious Object Sets Truck on Fire: In Boiestown, Canada, a mysterious object that lit up the sky is believed to have fallen on a mill yard property, setting a parked truck on fire. The object was described as very hot and jelly-like.
• "Ball of Fire" Spotted: A "bright, falling light" was reported over the Lakehead, Canada, described as larger than a meteorite with a bright yellow glare.
• Lake Lights are Mystery: The Coast Guard ship Ojibwa encountered mysterious "unidentified flashing light" on Lake Erie, sighted by several persons.
• Fireball Lights West: A giant "ball of fire" was seen from California to Kansas, thought to have exploded or hit the ground in central Utah. Air Force police questioned sheepherders in the area.
• Cross Seen by Night Nurses: A group of nurses at St. Mary's Hospital in London, Canada, reported seeing an object resembling a cross shining behind a bright full moon. While an astronomer suggested atmospheric effects or a screen in a window, the nurses insisted they saw it clearly through a window without a screen.

Scientific Theories and Speculation

One article explores the idea that prehistoric animals, deep-frozen eons ago, could thaw out and revive. It cites the discovery of a "20-foot, 7-ton monster" on a Tasmanian beach, which scientists could not identify. The author suggests such creatures might have been frozen by a cataclysmic event and later thawed by volcanic activity. Another event mentioned is "millions of fish" in Australia hurling themselves onto the beach, which experts could not explain. The author speculates these might be a result of a "prehistoric weapon" or electromagnetic ray.

The magazine also touches on cryobiology, noting scientists' ability to revive living red corpuscles and other organisms after extreme freezing. It speculates that future polar explorers might discover and revive prehistoric animals, and even "fossilized human corpses."

Political Commentary and "Extremists"

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to political commentary, particularly concerning Communism and what the editor perceives as "smear campaigns" against "patriotic Americans." The editor criticizes individuals and publications for labeling anti-Communists as "Fascists," citing a letter from Desmond Leslie, co-author of "Flying Saucers Have Landed," who allegedly stated Fascism is a greater threat than Communism.

The article "EXTREMISTS" by Matt Cvetic, a former FBI counter-spy, is featured. Cvetic argues that a "planned and vicious propaganda attack" is being orchestrated by Communists, liberals, and opportunists to smear patriotic groups. He claims that incidents like bombings are sometimes staged by "Red conspirators" to blame "fascists" and that the media amplifies these accusations. Cvetic recounts an incident in Louisville, Kentucky, where a bombing was blamed on "fascists" but the culprits were found to be Communist agents. He also mentions an incident where Communists organized a riot against their own meeting and blamed the "fascist Pittsburgh police."

The magazine asserts that the "Call of the Kremlin" has been successful in funneling propaganda through the US, leading many non-Communists to engage in name-calling. It argues that the "Red danger" is becoming "uncomfortably close" due to "appeasement" policies and that patriotic forces pose a real threat to Communists, leading to their vilification. The editor quotes Lenin on the technique of "destroying all opposition by invective, slander, smear and blackmail."

Editorial Stance and Reader Engagement

The editor expresses appreciation for supportive letters, like one from V.D.S. of Columbia Cross Roads, Pa., who praises the publication's "pro-American articles" and "exclusive material." The magazine appeals for financial support to continue its efforts, offering a 4-month trial subscription for $1.00. It emphasizes its mission to "bring the message of FREEDOM" and expose the "Communist Criminal Conspiracy."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and unexplained aerial phenomena, presented as factual reports and eyewitness accounts. Intertwined with these are strong anti-Communist sentiments and a defense of "patriotic Americans" against what the magazine terms "smear campaigns" orchestrated by Communist elements and their sympathizers. The editorial stance is clearly one of vigilance against Communism, advocating for a firm stand and exposing perceived threats, while also exploring speculative scientific and pseudo-scientific theories related to the unknown.