Space Probe - Vol 05 No 3-4 - 1958 01-06

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE PROBE
Issue: Vol. 5 No. 3 and 4
Date: January - June, 1958
Publisher: Civilian Saucer Investigation (N.Z.)
Country: New Zealand

This issue of "SPACE PROBE" marks a significant shift in format from a magazine to a newspaper, a change attributed to financial constraints and a desire for a less offensive title. The publication aims to provide up-to-date information on UFO phenomena and related matters, emphasizing a serious, objective approach.

Editorial: To Be or Not To Be, That Is The Question!

The editor, Harold H. Fulton, apologizes for the late appearance of this combined issue, citing ill health, increased demands from his Air Force occupation, and financial difficulties as primary reasons. He explains the change in format and title to be more in keeping with the times and less prone to ridicule. The publication's financial situation is presented as critical, with a plea to associates to renew subscriptions, take out subscriptions for friends or libraries, or make donations to ensure the organization's continuity.

Fulton highlights the "staggering 'ufo' incidents" reported recently, including power station blackouts, ignition failures, and witnesses suffering effects resembling radiation burns. He notes that the August-November period saw an increase in UFO reports, consistent with past cyclical patterns, and anticipates further spectacular observations later in the year, coinciding with Mars' opposition.

The editor expresses his conviction that Earth is constantly experiencing visitors from space, likely from multiple extraterrestrial spheres. He references the work of Bryant and Helen Reeve, authors of "Flying Saucer Pilgrimage," and suggests their book offers vital information that has been kept from the public. He also mentions Len Stringfield's work and the difficulties faced by those attempting to seek U.S. government aid in investigating alleged hoaxes by George Adamski.

The issue covers a wide range of recent UFO incidents, including those in the USA, South Africa, Canada, and Europe. The editor reflects on the 'Martian Curtain' and the unprecedented Martian happenings witnessed during a favorable opposition, suggesting they provide 'food for thought' for astronomical giants.

Full Report from NICAP: Space Objects Buzz U.S. Byways & Skyways with Vivid Vengeance

This detailed report, taken from NICAP's January issue of "UFO Investigator," chronicles the "November UFO crisis" in the USA. According to Air Force spokesmen, the sightings were attributed to errors, lies, incompetence, hysteria, and misidentification of familiar objects. NICAP presents evidence to counter these claims, detailing instances where the Air Force allegedly discredited reputable observers, including a Coast Guard officer and radar experts.

• Key events highlighted include:
• The Air Force labeling a Coast Guard officer and radar experts as incompetent.
• A warning to Air Force personnel against publicly revealing UFO sightings.
• The case of a rocket engineer at White Sands whose story was initially deemed satisfactory but later labeled a hoax after he was hospitalized for "nervous tension."
• A Navy pilot being advised not to appear on a television program after witnessing a UFO.
• A senior Public Information Officer at Los Angeles reversing his stance, urging the public be informed about UFOs.
• The Air Force dismissing most reports as "humbug" and attributing sightings to Sputnik-induced hysteria, even those from trained observers.

The report focuses on key November cases, starting with the Levelland, Texas, incident (November 3, 1957). Prior sightings on November 2nd included a glowing object seen by Odis Echols in Clovis, New Mexico, and reports from the Ground Observer Corps at Midland, Texas, and CAA tower operators at Amarillo Airport.

The Levelland incident involved a large oval-shaped object, 125 to 200 feet long, reported landing or approaching trucks and cars on Highway 116 between 11:15 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 a.m. Sunday. In three cases, car engines stopped and headlights dimmed or went out. Sheriff Weir Clem and Deputy Sheriff Pat McCulloch witnessed the object's glow as it crossed the highway, brightly lighting the pavement. Patrolmen Lee Hargrove and Floyd Gavin also saw the light. Witnesses described the object as oval-shaped, flat on the bottom, glowing neon-red when rising vertically, and bluish-green when landing. Sheriff Clem and NICAP member James Lee interviewed witnesses, confirming their sincerity.

Another significant sighting occurred at 3:00 a.m. Sunday at the north tip of White Sands Proving Ground, reported by Army M.P.'s Cpl. Glenn H. Roy and Pfc. James Wilbanks. They described seeing the landing and takeoff of a controlled object from outer space, approximately 75 to 100 yards in circumference. Cpl. Roy stated it descended slowly to about 50 yards, emitted a brilliant reddish-orange light for three minutes, and then landed fairly fast, appearing completely controlled.

Ex-Air Chief Saw 400 M.P.H. "Saucer"

Air Marshal Sir George Jones, former Chief of the Air Staff (1942-1952), reported seeing a strange object on the evening of October 16th. He described it as a shadowy object like a transparent balloon with a brilliant white light at the bottom, traveling silently at about 400 m.p.h. at an altitude of 500 ft. His wife also witnessed it. Sir George expressed his belief in flying saucers, stating he wished he had had more witnesses. He ruled out a disintegrating meteor or reflected light, noting the object's absolute silence and its appearance at an estimated 1000 to 1500 ft. above the earth.

Former Chief of Canadian Saucer Project Speaks

Wilbur Smith, an electrical engineer who managed a flying saucer observation center for the Canadian Department of Transport, believes spacemen have colonized planets and that Earthlings may be their descendants. He stated that space travelers wear clothes and do not resemble "little green men." Smith asserts that no religion should be upset by the possibility of life on other planets, finding nothing in Christianity to contradict it. He believes earthly existence is a small part of total existence and that we progress through multiple lives. He dismissed the idea of flying saucers being Russian space ships, noting sightings predated the USSR's establishment and that such objects were seen before supersonic aircraft existed.

Editorial ... (Continued)

The editor discusses the "extraordinary 'ufo'" cases reported overseas, particularly in the USA, South Africa, Canada, and European areas. He commends Miss Betty Chainey from Christchurch for her work in collecting press mentions of UFOs in the local press. He reflects on the "Martian Curtain" and the unprecedented Martian happenings witnessed during a favorable opposition, suggesting they provide "food for thought" for astronomical giants.

Fulton reiterates his belief in constant visitors from space from various extraterrestrial spheres. He mentions the work of Bryant and Helen Reeve and their book "Flying Saucer Pilgrimage," suggesting it contains vital information that has been withheld. He also references Len Stringfield's "Saucer Post 3-0 Blue" and the difficulties faced by professional solicitors trying to seek U.S. government aid against George Adamski.

The issue highlights the age of space exploration, satellites, and the upcoming human venture into space, referencing an address by B. Cornthwaite. The editor thanks Mr. Cornthwaite for permission to reproduce his talk and confirms his membership in the British Interplanetary Society.

Sources of "UFO" News

This section acknowledges the extensive use of data from overseas kindred researchers and their publications, noting that most CSI (N.Z.) associates are more interested in events beyond New Zealand. The author laments the local press's tendency to report UFO sightings sketchily and begrudgingly. The publication also relies on press cutting services and direct reports from witnesses, emphasizing the value of timely information.

"SPACE PROBE" Subscription Rates

Subscription rates are provided, with full membership costing £1 N.Z. for domestic and British Dominions, $3.00 U.S.A., and equivalent for other nations. The publication is registered at the G.P.O., Wellington, as a newspaper.

If You Sight an "Unidentified Flying Object"

Instructions are given for reporting sightings, including providing location, date, time, direction, description of the object, its behavior, duration of observation, weather conditions, number of witnesses, and whether the incident was previously reported.

The New Mexico Story

This article by Carol Lorenzen details the Levelland, Texas, UFO flap of November 2, 1957. It includes accounts from Pedro Saucedo, Ronald Martin, and Newell Wright, who experienced vehicle malfunctions and saw glowing objects. Sheriff Weir Clem and Highway Patrolman Lee Hargrove also reported similar phenomena. James D. Long, a truck driver, reported his motor quitting and lights going out when encountering a large, egg-shaped glowing mass.

The article also covers a sighting at White Sands Proving Ground on November 3, 1957, where two Army Range patrols observed a huge, oval object hovering over A-bomb bunkers. The object was described as nearly as bright as the sun and at least 200 feet long. Lt. Miles F. Penney investigated but found no physical evidence.

James W. Stokes, an electrical engineer at Holloman Air Force Base, reported a sighting on November 4, 1957. His car radio and engine failed as a mother-of-pearl-colored, egg-shaped object passed overhead, performing sharp maneuvers. Stokes felt "pressure" and a wave of heat. The object was estimated to be moving at 1500 miles per hour.

Bible Supports Theory of Spacemen

Howard John Zitko, co-ordinator for World University Roundtable, argues that the Bible supports the theory of spacemen visiting Earth. He references biblical figures like Jehovah, Lucifer, Gabriel, Michael, and Christ as potential extraterrestrial visitors who aided human evolution. Zitko believes that current UFO phenomena are reviving the "race memory" of lost civilizations like Atlantis and Lemuria and serve as a warning for the close of the current age.

He mentions books like "An Earth Dweller's Return," "The Wisdom of Azarish," "The Voice of Venus," and "Truth About Mars," which allegedly describe Venusian and Martian civilizations and spacecraft.

Life on a Billion Planets

This section, citing "Time" magazine (March 3, 1958), reports on astronomer Otto Struve's hypothesis that the Milky Way galaxy likely contains millions of planets inhabited by intelligent life. Struve estimates that about one billion planets may have life, with 1 to 10 million harboring intelligent creatures comparable to humans. He acknowledges the lack of proof but suggests that the vastness of the galaxy makes such a scenario probable. Struve also speculates that some intelligent races might have destroyed themselves through misuse of nuclear laws.

I.G.Y. Team Snaps U.F.O.

This article details a sighting and photograph taken aboard the Brazilian ship "Almirante Saldanha" on January 16, 1958, during International Geophysical Year projects. Mr. Almiro Barauna photographed an object described as a cigar-shaped, luminous craft. The Brazilian Navy reportedly declared the photos authentic after an investigation.

Valuable Knowledge Gained From Sputniks

Authored by R. A. McIntosh, this piece discusses the scientific discoveries made from the Russian Sputnik satellites. It highlights the unreliability of radio tracking due to ionospheric effects and the challenges in measuring the Doppler effect. The article notes that atmospheric resistance at high altitudes was greater than anticipated, and the atmosphere itself has an equatorial bulge. It also touches upon electrical drag and the importance of cosmic ray measurements. The biological effects on the dog Laika were studied, and the satellites' dissolution in the atmosphere was observed to be a prolonged process rather than a sudden blaze.

Request Step-Up in U.S. Probe of UFO Sightings

This section reports on Edward J. Ruppelt, former head of the Air Force's Blue Book investigation, urging an intensified probe of UFO sightings. Ruppelt stated that in 1953, scientists recommended increased expenditure for investigation, but economic drives prevented it, leading the Air Force to adopt a stance that UFOs did not exist.

It also includes two specific sighting reports: one from near Midland, Texas, where a motorist reported crashing through a lighted object and encountering "beings," and another from Long Beach, California, where weather observers spotted six "saucer-shaped flying objects."

"SPACE PROBE," JANUARY-JUNE, 1958

Mystery Object Photographed - Later Identified as Planet Venus

This article by R. J. Horrocks details a sighting by Mr. James MacDonald in Waipawa, New Zealand, on November 17, 1957. MacDonald photographed an object he described as oblong, radiating lights, and appearing more oval through a telescope. CSI, in consultation with R. A. McIntosh, F.R.A.S., identified the object as the Planet Venus, noting its brightness and celestial position at the time. Peculiarities in the photographs, such as unusual light fluctuations and halos, are discussed, with Ellis Dudgeon, a photographic consultant, suggesting they might be caused by atmospheric conditions or the planet's light interacting with snow crystals.

Angel Hair Mystery

This section continues the investigation into the "angel hair" phenomenon, detailing cases from Columbus, Ohio (October 22, 1954), where a cigar-shaped object left a trail of angel hair. The substance was described as fine, soft, and slightly radioactive, with some witnesses reporting green stains on their hands.

Further accounts include sightings in Nelson and Christchurch, New Zealand, and Horseheads, New York, where a similar substance fell, leading to various theories including powdered milk and spider webs. The article notes that some analysts found the substance to be of non-earthly origin and potentially radioactive.

A case from Chemung County, New York (August 27, 1956), describes metallic shreds falling from the sky, which were found to be faintly radioactive and caused the death of several chickens. The article concludes that the nature of the substance and the cause of the chickens' deaths remain a mystery.

Russian Sputnik Rekindles Study of Flying Saucers

Dr. B. Benincasa discusses how the Sputnik launch prompted a re-examination of UFO evidence. He questions whether UFOs are of Russian manufacture and considers them "experimental ancestors" of Sputnik. Benincasa expresses skepticism that the numerous flying contraptions seen globally since 1947 are of Russian origin, citing the denial of disk-shaped craft by Dr. Walter Dornberger and the contention that genuine flying saucers are extra-terrestrial.

He presents three considerations: the denial of German rocketmakers' involvement in UFOs by Dr. Dornberger, the assertion that flying saucers are extra-terrestrial, and the testimony of U.S. Navy scientist Cmdr. Robert B. McLaughlin, who witnessed flying disks and concluded they were spaceships from another planet.

Benincasa urges a serious look at astronautical progress in contrast to potential threats from both Eurasian and outer-spacian sources.

Man Aloft: Past, Present and Future

B. Cornthwaite provides a historical overview of human flight, from early dreams and fables to the reality of balloons, dirigibles, and heavier-than-air craft. He discusses the development of rockets as a necessary power unit for space travel and notes that the Russian satellite launch validated years of theory and calculation.

Cornthwaite draws parallels between the early days of flight and the current state of space exploration, comparing the lighter-than-air versus heavier-than-air debate to the rocket versus electro-gravitics theories. He suggests that the satellite launch is a significant event that will profoundly influence international discussions and potentially sober man's warlike intentions.

Are You Willing to Have This Vital Information Kept From You?

This editorial argues that a "great measure of intelligent consideration" is needed regarding UFOs. It criticizes the tendency to dismiss UFOs due to ignorance or dogma, particularly within national defense and scientific circles. The author contends that many UFO sightings are not easily explained and that the public has a right to know. The piece lists ten points, including the need for open-mindedness, the potential for advanced technology, and the importance of considering UFOs as potential extraterrestrial craft.

Comment on Collection of Reasons

This section provides brief comments on various reasons for skepticism or belief regarding UFOs, generally supporting the idea that many sightings are genuine and warrant serious investigation.

Angel Hair Mystery (Continued)

The article continues its exploration of the "angel hair" phenomenon, detailing cases from Ohio and New Zealand. It discusses the analysis of the substance, with some suggesting it is spider webs while others maintain it is of unknown or extraterrestrial origin. The case of metallic shreds in Chemung County, New York, and their potential radioactivity and effect on chickens is also revisited.

New Flying Saucer Magazine

A brief mention of a new magazine called "EAST AND WEST," edited by Peter Campbell, which covers UFOs and related topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the view that UFOs are real phenomena, likely involving extraterrestrial visitors. It advocates for serious, scientific investigation, challenging official dismissals and encouraging an open mind. The publication emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and the need for public awareness regarding these events. There is a strong undercurrent of concern about potential government secrecy and a call for greater transparency. The issue also highlights the burgeoning field of space exploration, linking it to the UFO phenomenon and the possibility of interplanetary contact.

This issue of "The Knoxville News-Sentinel" from Wednesday, November 6, 1957, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, featuring a prominent cover story about a boy's alleged encounter with a 'space ship' and a smaller item about a police chief's instructions regarding space ships. It also includes scientific reporting on Mars and various international UFO news items and letters.

Boy Sees "Space Ship" In Dante Pasture

Carson Brewer reports on an incident in Dante, Nebraska, where a 12-year-old boy, Everett Clark, claimed to have seen a 'space ship' with two men and two women in a cow pasture at dawn. Everett described the craft as 'long and round' and possibly translucent, taking off without sound. His account was corroborated by the discovery of a peculiar imprint in the grass, shaped like a fat cigar or slender egg, approximately 24 feet long. Principal Howard A. Field vouched for Everett's reliability. The boy's father, Mr. Frank Clark, and grandmother, Mrs. Maude Davis, also confirmed Everett's distressed state upon reporting the event. The article notes a similarity to a previous report of a Nebraska man invited aboard a space ship by persons speaking high German.

Space Ship Welcome

A brief item from "The New Zealand Herald" dated February 1, 1958, details instructions issued by Police Chief Herbert Hawkins of Newberg, Oregon, to his officers regarding potential space ship landings. The instructions emphasize not attempting a close-up investigation and setting camera range at infinity.

Flying Saucer Observer

M. A. Scott, editor of an amateur printed magazine from Crewe, England, writes to a 'Dear Secretary' seeking a special correspondent in New Zealand to report on flying saucer news, offering to exchange this with sightings from Great Britain.

Dust Storm Sweeps Mars

Robert C. Cowen, Natural Science Editor for The Christian Science Monitor, reports on a massive dust storm on Mars that obscured the planet for two months during a period of close approach to Earth. Martian experts from 12 countries met in Flagstaff, Arizona, to discuss observations. Dr. Seymour Hess noted the storm's progression from a white cloud to a yellowish mass. The article touches on the extreme temperatures on Mars and temporary darkenings of its surface, speculated to be due to water or weather. Astronomers were divided on the existence of life on Mars. Dr. Audouin Dollfus suggested dark green patches might be plant life like lichens, while Dr. Frank Salisbury argued that the growth rate of lichens is too slow to explain the observed seasonal changes in Martian surface color.

International Series of Monographs on Aeronautical Sciences and Controlled Flight

An announcement details a new publishing enterprise by "Pergamon Press" under the editorial guidance of Dr. Theodore von Karman and Dr. Hugh Dryden. This series will cover the field of powered flight, offering authoritative literature for students and professionals.

U.S. Government Has Evidence Of Extra Terrestrials

This article, referencing "Flying Saucer Review" (London, March-April issue), reveals that the magazine has seen a photostat copy of a letter from a branch of the U.S. Government to George Adamski, dated December 6, 1957. The letter, signed by an individual who requested it be considered personal, states that the government has "a great deal of confirmatory evidence bearing out your own claims which... are controversial." While not publicly confirming Adamski's experiences, the letter encourages his work. George Adamski later authorized the release of this letter, which was from the Department of State and signed by R. E. Straith of the Cultural Exchange Committee, urging Americans to demand truth from their representatives.

Saucers Behind the Curtain

Moscow Radio reported three instances of bright objects described as "electrical phenomena" sighted over Central Asia and Russian cities.

Major Keyhoe Cut Off the Air

This section details an incident where Major Donald E. Keyhoe, director of NICAP, was cut off the air for 15 seconds during a CBS program on January 23rd. Major Keyhoe stated he was cut off because he departed from his script to mention secret hearings by a congressional committee. He had intended to state that information provided to a Senate committee would have proven the reality of UFOs. Keyhoe also mentioned that Air Force pressure had previously led to the deletion of a statement listing four Air Force documents confirming UFOs as real and possibly interplanetary. He quotes his planned statement and lists the documents, including an ATIC conclusion from 1947 that flying saucers were real and a 1948 document concluding they were interplanetary spaceships. He also mentions a 1953 Pentagon panel's recommendation for increased UFO projects and public disclosure, which was rejected.

Letters to the Editor

• R. S. Unwin from the Invercargill I.G.Y. Station in New Zealand acknowledges letters but states it is not their policy to supply material for publication in the journal, directing inquiries to scientific journals like "Nature."
• Barbara Mathewson, Secretary/Treasurer of a newly formed UFO club at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, requests a sample copy and subscription rates for "Flying Saucers-Fact-Not Fiction."
• C. Wm. Kiorboe, Director of the "Danish Interplanetary Society for Contact," informs of the organization's launch in Copenhagen, aiming to investigate UFO reports, publish a review, and discuss the matter publicly.
• Mrs. Idabel E. Epperson from Los Angeles renews her subscription to "Civilian Saucer Investigation (N.Z.)," expresses gratitude for the publication, and mentions her work in increasing NICAP membership.

Portuguese Pilots Meet Saucers

"Lourenco Marques Noticias" reported an encounter by Portuguese Air Force pilots with unidentified flying objects on September 4th. Four jet planes commanded by Captain Lemos Ferreira saw a large, unconventional object, followed by three smaller saucers that emerged from the parent craft. The objects dived towards the jets, causing panic, but then vanished after 40 minutes of observation. The report was officially authorized for publication.

Mysterious Fiery Flying Objects Baffling British Air Ministry

"News of the World" (October 27, 1957) reports on mysterious fiery objects sighted over Britain. Coast guards in the Hebrides observed an egg-shaped object with flames for 18 minutes. The Air Ministry was baffled, stating no aircraft were in the area. "Fireballs" were seen over Wales, and a bright light described as egg-shaped with a dark red glow was observed near Stornaway. The object descended and vanished. Earlier sightings included an object glowing like a furnace door and a fireball exploding over the Isle of Man.

'Age Of The Flying Saucers' Passes Its Tenth Anniversary

This article from "Parkside Journal" (Los Angeles, June 27, 1957) by Max B. Miller, Director of Flying Saucers International, reflects on the tenth anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. It notes that UFO reports date back to ancient times and have been reported globally. The author argues that the objects' origin must be extra-terrestrial due to their capabilities. The article cites comments from Rear Admiral Delmer C. Fahrney and Professor Hermann Oberth supporting the existence of non-terrestrial objects. It also mentions that the Air Force issues lengthy forms for observers and that reports are classified under Air Force Regulation 200-2.

Earthlings Are Not Alone In This Boundless Universe

By Dr. B. Benincasa, this article explores the historical and theological concept of multiple inhabited worlds. It traces this idea from ancient Greek figures like Dionysius of the Areopagus and later Christian thinkers such as Originus Adamantisu, St. Basil, St. Ambrose, St. John of Antioch, and St. Augustine. The article mentions Renaissance figures like Nicolaus Cusanus and Giordano Bruno, and later proponents like Bishop Francis Godwin and Bishop John Wilkins. It highlights Swedenborg's belief in innumerable created worlds and lists various 19th and 20th-century theologians and scientists who supported the plurality-of-worlds hypothesis, including contributors to the Jesuit publication "Civilta Cattolica" and editors of "The American Ecclesiastical Review."

Ashtar of Venus?

An editor's note clarifies that "CSI (N.Z.)" has no connection with groups promoting messages from "Ashtar of Venus," stating that George Adamski dismisses such claims and that the organization focuses on objective research.

Australian Active Research Groups

This section lists several Australian UFO organizations: "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society," "Queensland Flying Saucer Research Bureau," "Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society," and "UFO Investigation Centre." It notes that the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" was the first UFO organization in Australia, founded in 1952.

Sydney Ufologists In Their 6th Year Of Activity

This piece corrects the impression that the "UFO Investigation Centre" is a young group, explaining its origins from the earlier "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau." It highlights the group's achievements, including a conference with the Royal Australian Air Force, addresses to Liberal Party groups, favorable media reviews, television programs, and newspaper articles.

President Changes to Jet

A brief report notes President Eisenhower's planned switch to jet travel, questioning if it relates to mysterious accidents involving engine-type aircraft, citing the crash of a "flying radar station" where all four engines stopped simultaneously.

Flying Saucer Pilgrimage

This is an advertisement for a book by Bryant and Helen Reeve, "Flying Saucer Pilgrimage," with a note about limited stocks. It is followed by a list of other books available from "The Flying Saucer Bookshop" in Auckland, New Zealand.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes the idea that UFOs are real phenomena, likely of extraterrestrial origin, and criticizes government secrecy and official denials. There is a strong emphasis on collecting and disseminating information, encouraging public interest, and supporting organizations like NICAP. The editorial stance appears to favor open discussion and investigation of UFOs, challenging official narratives and encouraging readers to seek the truth. The inclusion of historical and theological perspectives on multiple worlds suggests a broader interest in humanity's place in the cosmos, potentially linked to the extraterrestrial question.