SPACE - No 68 - 1962 08

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE
Issue: Bulletin No. 68
Date: August 1962
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Country: USA
Price: $3.00 per year

This issue of SPACE magazine, subtitled 'Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma,' focuses on UFO sightings and related mysteries. It features reports from August 1962, with a cover headline highlighting a UFO incident in New Jersey that allegedly affected a television set.

UFOs and Electrical Disturbances

The lead story details an incident involving Mrs. Jessie Bilancio of Bordentown Township, New Jersey. She reported seeing a bright object in her yard on the evening of June 1, 1962, which she believes caused electrical disturbances in her television set. The object, described as 'off to my right--about the size of my fist,' hovered in a tree before moving and disappearing. Mrs. Bilancio noted the object gave off its own light and moved erratically.

UFO Photographs and Multiple Sightings

Another report from Trenton, New Jersey, on the same date (June 1, 1962) describes a resident seeing a 'high-flying bright object' shortly after 10 p.m. This individual telephoned SAGE headquarters at McGuire Air Force Base and was contacted by an Air Force officer for more details. The resident, who wished to remain unidentified, managed to photograph the object, speculating it might be a new Russian satellite. This sighting, along with Mrs. Bilancio's and another from Hamilton Township, brought the total to three UFO sightings in the Trenton area on that date.

X-15 Pilot's Encounter

The issue features an account from X-15 Pilot Robert M. White, who, during a record-breaking flight to 58 miles altitude on July 17, reported seeing an object. He described it as 'like a piece of paper the size of my hand tumbling slowly outside the plane... grayish in color and about 30 to 40 feet away.' He also noted seeing small particles adrift earlier. The article questions how such an object could appear to be 'drifting' at such high speeds, suggesting the craft was under 'intelligent control.'

The 'Human Cork' Mystery

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the story of Angelo Faticoni, a barber from Jacksonville, Florida, who was dubbed 'The Man Who Can't Be Drowned.' Faticoni claimed to have swum ten miles from shore and demonstrated unusual aquatic abilities. A group of doctors conducted tests, including fastening a 20-pound weight to each ankle, and Faticoni remained afloat for 15 hours, even sleeping. The article explores a theory that Faticoni might have been a Venusian, given that astronomers believed Venus to be a watery world. However, physical examinations found no special adaptations, and Faticoni died at age 72 without an autopsy.

Ring-Shaped UFOs and Ground Traces

The magazine discusses 'ring-shaped' UFOs and the phenomenon of 'ring-shaped burns' found at the sites of low UFO hovering. Several cases are cited, including incidents in New Zealand, Kentucky, Tennessee, and England. The burns varied in size, and in one case in England, the site was reportedly 'dented.' The article questions whether these burns could be the result of a 'ring of smoke' from a UFO hitting the ground, but notes conflicting evidence where the smoke remained in place or rose into the air.

Explanations for Radar Anomalies

An article references a report from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research suggesting that 'invisible dimples' in the sky, caused by turbulent air, might create radar echoes that appear as flying saucers. These dimples are described as concave and reflective, located at altitudes up to 6,000 feet.

Astronaut Sightings and Adamski's Theories

The issue touches upon sightings by Astronaut John Glenn and objects photographed during an X-15 flight piloted by Joe Walker. NASA concluded the X-15 objects were ice flakes. The magazine also references George Adamski's book 'Inside the Space Ships,' discussing his concept of 'space fireflies' and 'scanning discs' operating on remote control, suggesting they monitor flights and could act as a protective 'force field.'

Other Sightings and Reports

Several other brief reports are included:

• A 'mystery' satellite was sighted over Hong Kong.
• An object described as a 'red and silver object about the "size of a one-bedroom house"' was reported tumbling end over end in Desert Hot Springs, California.
• A bright object, described as green, white, and blue, was seen streaking across the sky in the Pacific Northwest.
• Residents in the Baldwin Hills and southern Hollywood area reported seeing unidentified flying objects, some described as red or changing color.
• An American balloon satellite, Echo I, reportedly had company in the sky over Portland.

Religious and Philosophical Reflections

The magazine includes a brief reflection on a picture of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary found in a Bethlehem tree and poses a question about whether this is a sign of the 'final days.' It also includes a commentary on a Supreme Court decision regarding prayer in New York State, contrasting it with the faith of early Christians.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the scientific and public reaction to them. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting various reports, witness accounts, and potential explanations, while also acknowledging the skepticism and official stances of organizations like the Air Force and NASA. The magazine encourages readers to submit interesting news clippings and UFO reports, indicating a desire to document and explore these events.