SPACE - No 70 - 1962 10

Magazine Overview

Title: S.P.A.C.E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma)
Issue: October 1962 (Bulletin No. 70)
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Location: Coral Gables, Florida, USA
Subscription Rate: $3.00 per year

This issue of S.P.A.C.E. magazine, dated October 1962, presents a collection of reports and articles related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs), space phenomena, and broader geopolitical implications, particularly concerning the Cold War.

Cover Story: The Nature of Proof

The cover prominently features the magazine's title and a striking illustration of a flying saucer. The lead article, referencing Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, retired Chief Investigator for Project Bluebook, questions the Air Force's definition of 'physical evidence' regarding UFOs. Ruppelt poses a rhetorical question: Does a UFO need to land at the Pentagon, or is it sufficient proof when a radar station detects a UFO, a jet intercepts it, the pilot sees it, and locks onto it with radar, only for the UFO to streak away at phenomenal speed? This sets a critical tone for the issue, challenging official narratives and demanding a broader understanding of what constitutes proof.

Strange Object Sightings

Several sightings are detailed:

• Southwest Louisiana: A strange ball of light was observed by police in six cities (Crowley, Lafayette, Jennings, Abbeville, New Iberia, and Lake Charles) for over an hour and a half. It was seen as motionless, then plummeted or zoomed. Police Captain Paul Landry observed it through a telescope, noting its clear white appearance and the presence of two additional objects above and one below. Lafayette police reported it descending, while Crowley police claimed it moved upward.
• Indiana: Mrs. Curtis Jones reported being attacked by a small ball of fire that flew through her car window, burning her leg. The object remained hot for two hours and was later identified by a Shelby County Agricultural Agent as a fragment of a meteor, marking a potential first if true, as meteorites are not known to have hit humans.
• Bolivia: Villagers in Ayo-Ayo reported a strange metallic object falling into a ravine, followed by the appearance of a strange animal identified as a puma, which is not native to the region. They believe the puma arrived in a 'space capsule'.
• California: Reports from the Baldwin Hills area described high-flying, mysteriously unidentified objects, possibly saucers, seen on August 1 and 6. Witnesses described them hovering, moving in circles, and in a 'wacky way'.
• Maco, North Carolina: A mysterious light, resembling candles in railroaders' lanterns, appears near the spot where a flagman named Joe Baldwin was decapitated in 1863. A science team attempted to investigate its source.
• Wisconsin: Law enforcement officers reported sighting numerous flying objects in the northern Wisconsin sky, speculated to be pieces of a Russian sputnik re-entering the atmosphere. Deputy Sheriff Stanley Kukanich described them as spaced-out shooting stars that didn't burn up, followed by rumbling sounds.
• Defiance, Ohio: Professor Chas. A. Maney and others observed a round, blue ball of light moving horizontally, which later reappeared, changed color, and moved erratically before disappearing.
• Near 'Blank University', Ohio: A scientist observed an egg-shaped or elliptical object, perfectly smooth, moving silently at moderate speed without wings.
• Cape Hallet, Antarctica: An unidentified object with three yellowish-white lights was seen and photographed.

Space Race and Soviet Union

The issue includes commentary on the space race, particularly comparing US and Soviet achievements. An article by Clifford B. Ward from the NEWS-SENTINEL questions the accepted narrative of Yuri Gagarin's space flights, suggesting skepticism about Soviet claims. He contrasts the US ability to land capsules in the ocean with the Soviet ability to land them precisely, and criticizes scientists for accepting Soviet claims without sufficient proof, drawing parallels to religious faith.

Avrocar and Aviation Concepts

A piece discusses the Avrocar, a flying saucer-like vehicle built by Avro Canada for the US Army, which is now stored under a dusty cover at NASA's Ames Research Centre. Test pilot Fred J. Drinkwater III explains that while it flew, its 'stability limited' at higher altitudes, and other concepts proved more promising. The project was initiated by Avro and taken over by the US government in 1954.

Congressional Statements on UFOs

The magazine highlights statements from several US Senators and Congressmen expressing concern and support for investigating UFO phenomena. Senators Thomas J. Dodd, Kenneth B. Keating, William Proxmire, and Benjamin A. Smith all called for more information and thorough investigation. Speaker John W. McCormack noted that a Select Committee had executive sessions on UFOs and felt that the Air Force had not been forthcoming with information, suggesting that UFOs might be 'unexplainable' and potentially from 'some other planet'. Congressman Edgar W. Hiestand stated that UFOs 'are real' and questioned the harm of complete frankness.

Psychopolitics and Brainwashing

A significant portion of the magazine addresses the concept of 'psychopolitics' and 'brainwashing', particularly in relation to the Soviet Union. An article reprints a poem titled 'THE HOG VISITS THE PEN', seemingly critical of Nikita Khrushchev. Furthermore, it references a booklet titled "BRAINWASHING" (A Synthesis of the Russian Textbook on Psychopolitics) by Kenneth Goff, who defected from the Communist Party. The text describes methods used to induce neurosis and suicide in individuals to achieve Communist goals, suggesting a pervasive psychological warfare strategy.

Professor Calls for Open Mind on Mars

F. B. Salisbury, a professor of plant physiology, is quoted as suggesting that the idea of life on Mars is the most tenable explanation for Martian phenomena, rejecting theories about lichens. He recommends keeping an open mind regarding the possibility of intelligent beings inhabiting Mars, noting the two small satellites discovered in 1877, which some features suggest could be artificial.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of S.P.A.C.E. include skepticism towards official explanations of UFO phenomena, a critical view of Soviet capabilities and intentions during the Cold War, and an emphasis on the importance of open investigation and public awareness. The magazine appears to advocate for a more transparent approach from government agencies regarding UFOs and expresses concern about psychological manipulation and 'brainwashing' as tools of political control. The editorial stance is one of questioning authority, encouraging independent thought, and highlighting unexplained aerial phenomena as significant events worthy of serious study.