Space Probe - 1958 12

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE PROBE
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 5
Date: August-September, 1958 (Cover Date), Xmas, 1958 (Published Date)
Publisher: National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) / The U.F.O. Investigator
Country: New Zealand
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Strange Aerial Phenomena Continues

The issue opens with a bulletin from C.S.I. (N.Z.) detailing over 70 reports of unusual sky phenomena received since May. While some sightings are attributed to the Sputnik III rocket carrier or brilliant meteors, a significant number remain unexplained. The report highlights a cluster of sightings in Wellington and Nelson provinces between October 13th-16th, 1958, involving meteor-like and rocket-like objects. A 'flattish white ball of fire' seen in Palmerston North on October 15th was commented on by the Royal New Zealand Air Force and weather men, who suggested they were meteors, a conclusion the magazine implies was readily accepted by the press.

Another significant event described is the mass sighting on July 12th, 1958, when hundreds of people across Canterbury, Otago, and Southland witnessed a brilliant green-orange, rocket-like object descending slowly. Witnesses described it as huge, bullet-shaped, and visible for up to 30 seconds, with some reporting vivid flashes upon its apparent landing. Amateur astronomer Mr. A. F. Jones suggested it was a bright meteor, but the magazine implies this explanation is insufficient given the full scope of reports.

On September 3rd, 1958, in New Plymouth, hundreds queuing for a rugby match observed a pulsating light, described as a black, round object surrounded by a corona of white light, moving from southwest to northeast. Mr. T. F. K. Boyle provided a detailed report, initially thinking it was a satellite but concluding it was too large. The object's brightness increased and decreased at regular intervals.

Further reports include a sighting from Wanganui by Mr. H. S. Montgomerie, who described a pulsating light moving at jet plane speed. The magazine notes correspondence with Mr. F. J. Moreshead, director of the New Plymouth Observatory, who offered no immediate explanation, and Mr. A. J. Doig of the Beverley Begg Observatory, who described a brilliant phosphorescent green meteor seen on June 14th.

The publication expresses suspicion that world news sources are deliberately ignoring or suppressing UFO reports, possibly due to witness fears of ridicule. It criticizes the New Zealand press for ignoring most reports and governmental agencies for not revealing details. The organization believes the Air Department holds a 'pandora box' of intriguing UFO reports that should be aired.

Mystery Flying Object

A detailed account is given of Private Jerome Scanlon's sighting on September 29th, 1958, at a Maryland Nike missile base. While on guard duty, he heard a humming noise and saw a 'jet-like' object, mostly green with white trimmings, moving slowly. Several other men at the post also witnessed it. The object reportedly skittered over treetops, broke branches, and landed, leaving a scorched strip on the ground and a weird glow. Scanlon reported this to his Commanding Officer, Captain William Turley, and the Defence Department requested him to repeat his story to senior officers.

The article notes that many recorded cases involve strange machines making droning, humming, or whistling sounds, comparable to machines using electricity.

Mrs. Webb's Experience

Mr. W. Webb of Avondale, Auckland, reported that his wife was woken at 3:30 a.m. on November 18th by a loud, frightening, vibrational humming sound. Unable to locate the source, she then saw a large, brilliant, circular object bathed in golden light, with a dome on top and a flattened circular base, moving quickly away at low altitude over the Auckland Harbour. The experience caused Mrs. Webb to lose her voice for a week due to fright, and she was being treated for laryngitis.

US Air Force UFO Explanations

The magazine questions the 'slumber' of the daily press in reporting UFOs, contrasting it with regular US Air Force 'No Saucer Statements.' A brief report from Washington on October 8th, 1958, states the U.S. Air Force had been unable to explain 21 reports of 'flying saucers' in the past year, listing 84% of reported sightings as balloons, planes, birds, hoaxes, or natural phenomena. However, the editor of the 'Journal American' reportedly reversed these figures, suggesting only 21 out of 1,270 investigated cases were explained.

November Meeting and Film

The November meeting of the organization featured a tape presentation by Rienhold Schmidt about his encounter with a strange oval-shaped machine and its human crew in 1957. The second half included an illustrated slide address by the editor, reinforcing the case for the objective reality of strange physical craft.

The film "Unidentified Flying Objects," a 90-minute documentary, is highly recommended and was screening in New Zealand. Screening dates and locations in Oamaru, Otahuhu, Ngaruawahia, Ellerslie, Milford, Otaki, and Eltham are provided.

Addresses to Other Organizations

The President of C.S.I., Mr. H. H. Fulton, addressed several organizations, including the N.Z. Peoples University Association, the Hamilton Flying Saucer Research Society, and the Auckland Roundtable Club.

George Adamski's New Zealand Visit

C.S.I. has been informed by Mr. Henk J. Hinfelaar, N.Z. Representative for George Adamski, that Adamski was due to arrive in New Zealand by air on January 18th, 1959, for a lecture tour. The tour was scheduled to include appearances in Kaikohe, Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Wanganui, New Plymouth, and various South Island locations. Interested individuals were directed to write for full details and bulletins. The magazine notes that Adamski is the first person to claim speaking with physical beings from other worlds and co-authored "Flying Saucers Have Landed" and "Inside the Spaceships." The article mentions Dr. Hunt Williamson, who claims witness to Adamski's initial contact, was granted an audience with the Queen in England. C.S.I. states it is taking no official part in the visit but will attend with open minds.

Saucers and Telescopes

This section addresses the argument that UFOs cannot be seen through large telescopes. It explains that large, professional astronomical telescopes are not designed for rapidly moving objects and would be unsafe to maneuver quickly. The difficulty of tracking a UFO with such instruments is highlighted, requiring a two-person team and precise manipulation. Furthermore, most research is spectrographic, and large telescopes are not used during the daytime. The article suggests that wide-angle sky cameras have too short a focal length, and while a 6-inch reflecting telescope might offer a visual observation, a photograph is unlikely. Binoculars of 6 to 10 power are recommended as the best compromise for observation.

Books Arriving Shortly

Several books are listed as arriving shortly, including "Flying Saucer Pilgrimage," "Flying Saucers and the Straight Line Mystery," "The Secret Places of the Lion," and "They Live in the Sky." Customers are encouraged to order in advance due to limited stock. The Flying Saucer Bookshop in Auckland is mentioned.

Xmas and New Year Greetings

The magazine extends its thanks to associates and readers for their contributions and association throughout the year, wishing them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent and unexplained nature of UFO sightings, particularly within New Zealand. The magazine adopts a stance of open investigation, encouraging the reporting and dissemination of such phenomena, while simultaneously expressing skepticism towards official explanations and media downplaying. There is a clear editorial stance against what is perceived as suppression of information and a belief that UFOs represent a genuine, unexplained phenomenon, possibly of non-terrestrial origin. The magazine also highlights the growing public interest in UFOs, evidenced by the upcoming lecture tour of George Adamski and the availability of related literature.