Space Probe - Vol 06 No 1-2 - 1958 07-12

Magazine Overview

"SPACE PROBE" is the official publication of Civilian Saucer Investigation (N.Z.), dedicated to presenting facts and comments surrounding the global research of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). This issue, Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, covers the period of July to December 1958 and was published in August 1958. It is edited by Harold H. Fulton, Director of CSI (N.Z.). The magazine aims to provide a candid presentation of information and encourages active participation from its members.

Editorial: Britain's First Spaceship Project "A Flying Saucer"

The editorial highlights a significant development in Britain: the commencement of work on the UK's first spaceship project, a half-ton flying saucer designed to take two men into space and return them safely. This project is attributed to Dr. William F. Hilton, chief aerodynamicist at Armstrong Whitworth. The article details Dr. Hilton's discovery of a method to control electrified air, overcoming the "heat barrier" limitations of high-speed flight. This technique, an extension of principles used in the "Zeta" thermonuclear machine, involves using an artificially created magnetic field to manage the extreme temperatures generated by air friction at high speeds. The editorial suggests that this technology could replicate some of the flight characteristics of reported UFOs, including a brilliant glow caused by superheated air.

"SPACE PROBE" Magazine Format and Survival

Correspondence received indicates that members favoured the new title "SPACE PROBE." However, the larger tabloid newspaper format adopted previously was less popular due to financial constraints. The magazine format has been reinstated for this issue and will continue until the end of 1958. A news-letter is planned for distribution before Christmas to summarize major developments.

"Special Alert" for UFO Activity

Members are urged to maintain a period of special alert for expected "unidentified flying object" activity from the receipt of this journal through to February 1959. This period coincides with the close approach of the planet Mars, an event that has historically been marked by increased UFO activity. Members are encouraged to scan local press for published observations and send them to CSI Headquarters. They are also asked to report any published data on "Falls of Mysterious Threads From Sky," "Unexplained Aerial Explosions," "Meteors" or "Fireballs," "Auroral Displays," and "Reports of Electric Power Failures," which the CSI Research Department will analyze.

Key Persons Mentioned

Several individuals are highlighted, including Harold H. Fulton (CSI Director), Raymond Thomas (CSI Electronics Officer), Frank Edwards (U.S. Radio-T.V. personality), Mrs. Olga Weitzner (Librarian) and her husband Paul, A. R. Holden (author), Dr. William F. Hilton (aerodynamicist), Gray Barker (reporter), George Adamski, Earl's Son, Mr. R. J. Pollard (witness), Mr. D. Fry and Truman Bethurum (authors), Mr. A. Johnson, Mr. J. Johnson, Mr. D. Kusabs (DSIR), Janet King (witness), Mr. H. Owen Hills (witness), Mr. J. A. Lynch (witness), Mr. T. B. Holmes (witness), and the Curley family (witnesses).

Organizations Mentioned

Key organizations include CSI (N.Z.), CSI Electronics, Magnetic Tape Productions, U.S. Radio-T.V., NICAP, APRO, UFO Investigation Centre, Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society, Flying Saucers International, DSIR, and various international UFO research groups.

Strange Sights Still Festoon Our Skies (November 1957 - May 1958)

This section details 47 observations from a period where over 100 reports were received. The author expresses frustration with the authorities' complacency and apathy regarding UFOs. The reports are described as tame compared to overseas incidents but are not to be dismissed. The section includes several specific sighting reports:

• "Like Looking at an Electric Light Bulb" (7/11/57): Mr. R. J. Pollard of Waiuku observed a flattened sphere-shaped object hovering near the road, which then ascended, circled Lake Pukerua, and moved off southwards at an estimated 40 knots. The object was brilliantly illuminated and had a green antennae.
• Strange Light Seen From Paeroa (7/11/57): Residents of Paeroa saw a strange round pink moving object in the south-western sky that travelled for about 10 minutes before disappearing.
• Strange Light Seen in North-West Sky (10/11/57): Seven people in Kai Iwi observed a green light that moved around, changed colour to pink and gold, and then faded away. It was described as slightly west of north-west and not as big as Venus.
• Mysterious Light Seen by 14 Men (10/11/57): Fourteen fishermen north of New Plymouth saw a mysterious light moving quickly, slowing down, hovering, changing direction, and moving off at speed before fading. They agreed on the main details and described it as elongated.
• Unidentified Rocket Like Object Seen in Sky at Kaiapoi (11/11/57): Mr. H. Owen Hills observed a mysterious rocket-like object with a wide tail glowing orange to red, streaking through the sky. It was described as having the appearance of a rocket and travelling at fantastic speed.
• Strange Object Seen in Sky Near Otane (12/11/57): A party of four observed a bright yellow glowing object, shaped like an electric light bulb, moving in a straight line and disappearing behind a cloud. It had three distinct beams.
• Strange Flying Light Seen in Lonely Valley Near Milford (13/11/57): Mr. E. R. Robinson and Mr. L. Israelson observed a strange flying light that appeared to be propelled and controlled, stopping, hovering, and then moving off at terrific speed. It was described as like a big flaming Tilley Lamp and estimated to be about 500 feet high.
• "Very Like a Moon Exploding" (16/11/57): Mr. A. Johnson and his family observed a bluish-white light that shot straight up, emitted sparks, changed colour to green-blue, and exploded brightly before vanishing. It was described as "bigger than a full moon."
• Another Account of Bright Object in Southern Sky (16/11/57): Janet King and 11 others saw an object that changed colours from pale lemon to blood red, blinking and moving within a specific area of the sky.
• "Object" Sighted by Mr. J. A. Lynch (16/11/57): Mr. J. A. Lynch observed a bright yellow glowing object, about half the size of a full moon, moving in a straight line and disappearing behind a cloud.

Frank Edwards' Report: Some Answers to the Saucers

This section features an article by Frank Edwards, a respected UFO researcher and broadcaster, addressing common questions about flying saucers. Edwards discusses the difficulty in obtaining official information, citing instances where the Air Force has allegedly misled or denied information to organizations like NICAP. He highlights the shift in public and official perception, noting that two years prior, a discussion on UFO realities would have been unthinkable at a convention of broadcast executives.

Edwards addresses several key questions:

• "Why haven't saucers landed or contacted us?": He suggests that human experience limits our ability to analyze alien motives and communication methods. He notes the wide divergence in descriptions of alleged alien creatures and speculates that communication might be through electronic processes rather than audible speech.
• "Are these UFO's neutralizing the radioactive fallout in the earth's atmosphere?": Edwards states that there is no evidence to support this hypothesis, as radioactive fallout levels are as expected.
• "Are they here to save us from ourselves?": He dismisses this as a comforting but unsupported theory, noting that mass sightings began after the atomic bomb was developed and that there's no indication UFOs are specifically interested in atomic installations.
• "Why the official silence regarding their existence and probable nature?": Edwards attributes the silence to a policy of confusing, deceiving, and ridiculing the public, stemming from a fear of mass hysteria similar to the Orson Welles broadcast in 1938. He argues that the Air Force's attempts to suppress information and offer alternative explanations (like meteors or secret aircraft) have been undermined by numerous credible sightings.

Edwards advocates for a gradual disclosure of information rather than a sudden revelation, which he believes would cause pandemonium. He emphasizes that the American people can be trusted with the truth.

Acknowledgments and Library Bulletin

The magazine acknowledges contributions from Australian colleagues and the Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society. It also lists numerous overseas UFO research organizations whose publications are valuable for CSI's records. The Library Bulletin clarifies that only books exclusively or primarily about UFOs are added to the CSI Library, with exceptions for astronomy and space travel. Members are asked to donate books, particularly copies of "The White Sands Incident" and "Aboard a Flying Saucer."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings in New Zealand, the potential for advanced extraterrestrial technology, and the perceived government cover-up of UFO information. The editorial stance is one of advocating for transparency and encouraging public engagement with the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear belief that UFOs are real and represent a significant, possibly interplanetary, development that the public deserves to know about. The magazine positions itself as a vital source of information and a platform for disseminating these findings, challenging official narratives and promoting open discussion.

This issue of "The Riverina Express," dated June 15th, 1958, features a prominent article titled "CONTROLLED “UNKNOWNS” OFTEN VISIT AUSTRALIAN SKIES" by Andrew Tomas, Editor of UFO Bulletin, Sydney. The magazine delves into numerous UFO sightings and related phenomena in Australia and beyond, exploring government responses, witness testimonies, and scientific speculation.

Key Articles and Reports

Controlled "Unknowns" Often Visit Australian Skies

Andrew Tomas's article provides a comprehensive review of significant UFO events. It begins by referencing a question raised in the Australian House of Representatives in November 1953 regarding "flying saucers," to which the Minister for Air, Mr. W. McMahon, responded that it was more a matter for psychologists. Six months later, the Minister invited Mr. Edgar Jarrold, a "flying saucer" investigator, for a discussion with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Intelligence in Melbourne. This conference, held on July 19, 1954, revealed that the RAAF maintained an open mind about the origin of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

The article highlights that while many sightings can be explained as natural phenomena like plane lights, balloons, meteors, or stars, a certain percentage remain unexplained.

Discs at Nowra: On August 31, 1954, a naval pilot, Lieutenant O'Farrel, reported seeing two fast-flying, disc-shaped objects at 13,000 feet that appeared on his radarscope. He radioed to Nowra Base for verification.

Movie Record: On August 30, 1953, Mr. T. Drury, Deputy-Director of the Department of Civil Aviation at Port Moresby, New Guinea, accidentally recorded the flight of an unidentified flying object on film. The film showed an oval object making a right-angle turn without losing acceleration.

Not from Woomera: The possibility of the Port Moresby UFO being a missile from Woomera was dismissed, as Australia did not possess missiles with a 2,000-mile range in 1953, and the object's trajectory did not match a Woomera launch.

Senseless Secrecy: The film was sent to the United States for analysis and remained behind security fences, inaccessible to the press. The writer notes that this secrecy is unnecessary, as similar films have been released by the U.S. Air Force.

Parliament Mention: The article notes that parliamentary discussions on UFOs indicate concrete evidence exists. Captain Douglas Barker reported seeing a "metallic mushroom-shaped object" over the Yarra Valley on January 1, 1954. The Department of Civil Aviation acknowledged Captain Barker as an experienced pilot unlikely to imagine things.

Over Canberra: On July 4, 1954, Robert Weatherhead, an Air Force trainee photographer, saw a "flying cigar." The same night, a similar object appeared over Canberra, with councillors Burnett and Kerr describing it as definitely controlled, flying at low altitude and high speed without noise. Meteorological and aviation officials confirmed no planes or balloons were in the air.

Inexplicable: Sir George Jones, former RAAF Chief of Staff, reported seeing an unidentified flying object on October 16, 1957, describing it as unlike anything he had seen or heard of before. In December 1954, four Commonwealth Security Officers in Melbourne witnessed a ball of fire with a trail moving at high speed beneath a cloud bank, with no electrical activity reported by the Weather Bureau.

Seen at Mt. Stromlo: Four astronomers from Mount Stromlo Commonwealth Observatory saw a bright pink object on November 8, 1957, brighter than anything in the sky except the moon, and could not identify it.

America or Russia?: A hypothesis suggests UFOs might be advanced aeronautical developments from Russia or America. Disc-shaped aircraft were known to be under construction, but UFOs were observed long before these developments.

Interplanetary: A RAAF spokesman suggested UFOs could be interplanetary, with humans potentially flying into space within forty years.

Professor Charles A. Maney on U.F.O. Phenomena

Professor Charles A. Maney, a physicist and head of the Department of Physics at Defiance College, Ohio, discusses the "new dimension" of spectacular electromagnetic disturbances associated with UFO appearances, particularly in November 1957. He traces the evolution of UFO reports over the past fourteen years:

1. 1944-45: Foo-fighters observed by Allied and Nazi airmen.
2. 1947: Disc-shaped saucers appear.
3. 1952: Disc-shaped objects become prominent in press headlines.
4. Post-1952: Larger cigar-shaped craft, possibly carriers of smaller vehicles, are observed.
5. 1949-1951: Increased background radiation measured in connection with UFO sightings.
6. 1951: Nine noiseless green fireballs observed in New Mexico.
7. 1952-1955: Reported falls of "Angel Hair," a magic fibrous material.
8. November 1957: Spectacular electromagnetic phenomena, including stopped car engines and failed radio sets, associated with luminous egg-shaped objects.

Previous Electromagnetic Disturbances Associated with UFOs:

• June 24, 1947: Portland, Oregon: Discs sighted, compass needle weaved wildly.
• August 19, 1952: Florida woods: Soil and grass samples charred beneath a hovering UFO.
• August 19, 1953: West Haven, Connecticut: Fiery ball crashed through a sign, dimmed house lights, and jarred the area.
• May 31, 1957: Kent, England: British airliner experienced complete radio failure after sighting an oval UFO.
• September 1, 1957: Sioux City, Iowa: A flash of light stopped a car's motor and cut off lights.

The November 1957 Flap: Between November 2 and 14, 1957, numerous UFO sightings across the United States and Canada were accompanied by engine stalls, dimming headlights, and radio interference. Localities included Levelland, Texas; Springfield, Illinois; Calgary, Alberta; and others. Reports were often made by law enforcement officers.

The Levelland, Texas, Area Sightings: On November 2, 1957, multiple witnesses, including police officers and motorists, reported a large luminous egg-shaped object. The object reportedly caused car engines to stall and lights to go out when it approached. Witnesses described it as about two hundred feet long and lit up as if on fire.

The Alamogordo, New Mexico, Incident: On November 6, 1957, James Stokes, an engineer at the Air Force Missile Development Centre, reported a huge elliptically-shaped object that cut out his radio and stopped car engines. He estimated its length at five hundred feet and felt a wave of heat.

Interpretations: An Air Force statement attributed the Levelland incident to ball lightning or St. Elmo's fire and stalled cars to wet electrical circuits. Dr. Donald Menzel suggested mirages, but Captain Edward J. Ruppelt refuted this, stating UFOs were not optical tricks.

How Thorough Was the Air Force?: The article questions the thoroughness of the Air Force investigation, noting a "Mystery Man" visited Levelland but his identity and findings remained secret.

Heat Radiation from UFOs: Three instances in November 1957 reported sensations of heat from UFOs, including the Alamogordo and Levelland cases, and a report from Merom, Indiana, where a man was hospitalized after being scorched by a UFO.

Gray Barker Reports on George Adamski and the 'State Department' Letter

This section discusses a controversial letter purportedly from the U.S. State Department to George Adamski, author of UFO books. The letter, dated June 15th, 1958, was published by "Saucerian Bulletin." The letter, signed by R. E. Straith of the Cultural Exchange Committee, suggests that while the Department could not publicly confirm Adamski's experiences, it could encourage his work. Adamski, in a response, defends his decision to share the letter, emphasizing the authenticity of the State Department seal and questioning why governments deny UFOs while investigating them.

However, the article also presents information from the American Embassy in London, which stated they had no record of R. E. Straith and that the letter's layout did not conform to official State Department standards. The signature was also noted as being too studied. The article speculates that the letter might be a hoax intended to discredit the civilian saucer research field.

Mystery Rockets Over Sydney

An excerpt from "UFO Bulletin" (June 1958) details sightings of "mystery rockets" over Sydney, Australia. On May 2nd or 3rd, 1958, John Smith, a Caltex plant operator, saw two brightly burning objects with orange flame trails. The objects appeared to be missiles and flew at a relatively low altitude. Navy and Air Force spokesmen denied knowledge of any aircraft or exercises in the area. The police initially suggested meteors, but this hypothesis was challenged by the objects' behavior, including one rocket flying straight up.

Carl Wilson of Darling Point reported seeing a large rocket climbing straight up with sparks and smoke, disappearing in seconds. The article notes that "ghost rockets" were reported in Scandinavia in 1948, suspected to be Soviet. The Sydney sightings are considered UFOs due to their duration and behavior, ruling out meteors and conventional aircraft.

Creatures from Space

This section features an article by Willy Ley, described as America's foremost writer on the subject, who offers a scientist's idea of a man from Planet X. Ley discusses the increasing likelihood of space travel and the question of extraterrestrial life. He theorizes that intelligent beings from other planets would likely resemble humans due to universal rules of biological construction. Key assumptions include that space beings would breathe air, eat both plants and meat, and possess a body weight of at least 40 lbs to support a 2 lb brain. They would likely have two eyes and ears, hands with opposable thumbs, and walk erect. Ley also speculates that Planet X would have a similar atmosphere and climate to Earth, with land and sea masses.

Did Spaceship Make Forced Or Deliberate Landing At Base Of Mount Egmont?

This article reports on a sighting on the night of June 7th near Mount Egmont, Taranaki, New Zealand. Six witnesses observed a large, dark-red ground glow, followed by a large white oval object that rose quickly and disappeared vertically. The witnesses investigated the area but found no physical trace. The Taranaki Daily News reported the incident, and CSI (presumably a UFO investigation group) became involved. The article discusses potential causes, ruling out natural phenomena like auroras or bush fires. CSI's director suggested a thorough investigation into possible natural causes before concluding it was a UFO. The article notes that two of the witnesses later moved away without explanation. CSI's opinion is that the incident was not caused by natural phenomena and suggests a "Spaceship" of alien origin may have made a temporary stop or suffered a technical failure.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the phenomenon of UFOs, presenting witness accounts, official statements (or lack thereof), and scientific speculation. There's a recurring theme of government secrecy and a perceived reluctance by authorities to fully acknowledge or investigate UFOs, often attributing sightings to natural causes or dismissing them. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the public to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and criticizing what it perceives as official obfuscation. The articles highlight the electromagnetic effects associated with UFOs and the potential for advanced extraterrestrial intelligence, suggesting that humanity is not alone in the universe and may be technologically inferior to visitors from other planets.

This issue of "SPACE PROBE" focuses on "The Angel Hair Mystery," presented as the final chapter of a three-part investigation by Roger Horrocks. The magazine highlights numerous historical and contemporary sightings of a mysterious, web-like substance falling from the sky, often associated with unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Historical Sightings of Angel Hair

The article begins by presenting historical accounts of "angel hair" phenomena, predating modern UFO reports. These include:

• September 21st, 1741: Gilbert White, in his book "The Natural History of Selborne," describes the countryside covered in a thick coat of cobweb, followed by a shower of web descending in "flakes or rags" that twinkled in the sun. He noted it was heavy enough to be gathered in baskets but was puzzled by its descent.
• September 16th, 1823: A similar event occurred in Bewdley, England, with great quantities of webby substance, including "branched filaments" up to 50 feet long and "woolly films," falling over a wide area. This case was discussed in the "Wernerian Natural History Society" and "Fantastic Universe" magazine.
• October 1826: In Liverpool, England, a light, filmy substance, mistaken for cotton, fell thickly. Examination revealed tiny flies caught within the fallen web.
• October 1881: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, experienced a widespread fall of "spiderweb," described as long, strong strands, very white, with no spiders visible.
• November 21st, 1898: A strangely white substance fell over miles of the Montgomery, Alabama, countryside. Chemical analysis indicated it was not of a vegetable nature and was tentatively labeled "spiderweb."
• October 4th, 1957: In Japan, following the sighting of a tadpole-shaped craft, "angel hair" fell in the city. Analysis described it as an organic matter resembling "brilliant glass fibre." Three other falls in Japan also occurred, with the hair vanishing on touch.

The article also briefly mentions other cases from Pennsylvania (1949), Rome (1954), and Illinois (1956).

Theories Explaining Angel Hair

Roger Horrocks outlines several theories proposed to explain the angel hair phenomenon:

1. Lieutenant Plantier's Theory: A "cosmic force field" surrounding flying saucers produces a chemical substance through ionization of the atmosphere, creating ultra-heavy, positive corpuscles that react with atmospheric molecules.
2. Major Keyhoe's Suggestion: "Some kind of fuel exhaust" specifically from cigar-shaped saucers, or a product of an engine working on nuclear power.
3. CSI's Imaginative Theory: Large, spherical creatures (about six feet in diameter) living in the Earth's stratosphere, which shed "webby tentacles" after mating, descending as "angel hair." These creatures are said to burst open at the end of their lives.
4. Spirit World Theory: Angel hair is ectoplasm, a substance associated with spiritualist happenings, suggesting flying saucers are visitants from the spirit world.
5. Down-to-Earth Theory: The plastic bag of a balloon, becoming brittle in cold, high altitudes, shatters into pieces that resemble threads.

The Gossamer Hypothesis

Horrocks strongly advocates for the theory that angel hair is primarily "gossamer," a natural phenomenon involving spider webs.

• Similarities to Gossamer: He points out numerous resemblances: showers of hair, large threads made of smaller filaments, white balls attached to threads, iridescence, and the association with clear skies.
• Seasonal Occurrence: A statistical analysis of 32 "positive" angel-hair sightings reveals that 22 occurred in autumn, strongly correlating with the known season for gossamer production.
• Spider Behavior: Spiders spin gossamer when there is a slight breeze, using it to travel. They can add to the thread length if the wind falls and furl their sail if it rises. This process can result in vast quantities of gossamer.
• Physical Characteristics: Gossamer threads are described as multiple jets of liquid silk that harden on exposure to air. They can be very tenuous and disintegrate quickly.

Addressing Discrepancies

Horrocks addresses potential objections to the gossamer theory:

• Association with UFOs: While many angel hair falls are not linked to UFOs, some are. He notes that sightings of UFOs are often described as "bright" or "silvery bright" and small, which could be consistent with spiders or swarms of spiders.
• Disappearance on Touch: The rapid melting or disintegration of angel hair is a puzzling characteristic. However, he notes that gossamer can also melt away quickly and disintegrate, especially when exposed to wind.
• Unusual Properties: Some angel hair has exhibited unusual properties, which Horrocks suggests could be attributed to atmospheric conditions (e.g., radio-activity or industrial pollution).

Conclusion and Future Research

Horrocks concludes that, while perhaps disappointing for those seeking concrete proof of flying saucers, most angel hair falls are likely gossamer. He emphasizes that the study of gossamer is still incomplete and that UFO enthusiasts have contributed to gathering information. He also leaves open the possibility that future observations might reveal something truly extraordinary.

Points to Look For in an Angel Hair Sighting

Horrocks provides a checklist for observers:

1. Note any unusual objects in the sky, their size, and relation to clouds.
2. Observe how objects and the hair shower interact with the wind.
3. Describe how the hair falls (streamers, tufts).
4. Measure thread size and note unusual properties (magnetism, smell).
5. Record the effect of touching the hair and attempt to collect a sample.
6. Note how long the hair remains where it fell.
7. Record date, time, weather, and wind conditions.
8. Estimate the quantity of hair, number of witnesses, and area covered.

He stresses that such observations are scientifically valuable and could revolutionize ideas about UFOs.

Government and Public Calls for Transparency

The issue also includes reports on public and governmental pressure regarding UFOs:

• "Evening News" Report (May 7, 1958): A campaign in Britain urges the government to "tell the people the truth about flying saucers." The International Unidentified Flying Objects Observer Corps calls for government commissions to collect and analyze UFO activity.
• Hon. Brinsley Le Poer Trench: Chief investigator for the Corps, claims sufficient evidence exists for an official announcement of space ship visits. He argues that governments have kept the public in the dark and that existing Service departments are not equipped to handle such a large issue.
• Letter to the "Kent Courier" (May 9, 1958): Andrew L. Fenton, Hon. Chairman of the Sevenoaks School Astronomical Society, writes that UFOs cannot be dismissed with casual explanations. He cites thousands of sightings since 1947 and estimates by Capt. Edward J. Ruppelt of the U.S. Air Force project "Blue Book" suggesting around 44,000 sightings in the USA by 1953. Fenton advocates for an unbiased scientific commission, independent of the U.S. and British Air Forces, to investigate and release information to the public.

Additional UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine includes several brief reports of UFO sightings from various locations in New Zealand during late 1957 and early 1958:

• Sunday night (date not specified, likely late 1957): Two bright lights seen near Woodbourne, New Zealand, appearing like shooting stars.
• November 18th, 1957: A "Star-Sun" report from Christchurch describes a large, luminous object seen hovering and circling over the city.
• November 19th, 1957: Four boys in Brighton reported a round red glow with palpitating edges, emitting white light shafts.
• November 19th, 1957: Eiffelton residents reported three "reddish" lights travelling in a north-south direction.
• November 19th, 1957: A sister at Ashburton Hospital saw a moving object, described as brighter than a rocket but diffused at the edges.
• November 20th, 1957: Mr. F. Sharman observed a peculiar shaped, horseshoe-like light over South Brighton, with a doughnut-shaped object passing through it.
• November 22nd, 1957: A farmer near Okato saw a bright orange-red object heading towards Opunake.
• November 24th, 1957: A Gisborne bus driver and passengers reported an unidentified object described as a round ball of light with two downward beams.
• November 24th & 25th, 1957: Two Gisborne residents reported seeing strange objects, one described as a ball of light with streaks, the other as "fuzzy orange" and banana-shaped.
• November 25th, 1957: Two Wanganui residents saw a strange glow likened to car lights shining through fog.
• November 26th, 1957: Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Phillips and neighbours in Hamilton observed a bright orange, cigar-shaped object that changed shape and moved in "hop-like" movements.
• November 30th, 1957: An object flying at "jet plane speed" was seen over Auckland.
• December 3rd, 1957: Four Christchurch people were mystified by a glowing object, described as turning from white to orange and back again.
• December 20th, 1957: An object flying "terribly fast" was seen near Taieri, New Zealand.
• December 22nd, 1957: A small, bright red light was seen in Stoke, Nelson, moving slowly.
• December 23rd, 1957: Two railway shunters in Napier reported seeing a cylindrical object, pale blue with a greenish tinge, changing to pale white.
• December 29th, 1957: Small silver discs were seen flying north to south near Whangarei and Kaitaia.
• December 29th, 1957: Two silver discs were seen at Kaikohe.
• January 5th, 1958: Mr. and Mrs. Ian Watkins and guests observed a large, brilliant purplish object over Auckland.
• January 22nd, 1958: A resident of Panmure, Auckland, reported seeing an object described as "like a pink sequin."
• January 28th, 1958: A party travelling from Paeroa saw a round, glowing object of a peculiar reddish hue.
• February 12th, 1958: Two unidentified objects were seen over Maungaturoto, moving very fast.
• February 12th, 1958: Ashburton residents reported seeing two strange objects with dull red lights in front and bright red blinking ones at the rear.
• February 26th, 1958: An ex-bomber pilot observed an object flying at terrific speed over Auckland.
• February 27th, 1958: An object described as a bright orange-red oval, as large as a C47 aircraft, was seen over Frankton Junction.
• March 7th, 1958: Miss M. M. Frude of Hastings saw a large object colored a vivid green, elliptical-shaped, with two tails.
• March 10th, 1958: A bright orange object with a tail of sparks was sighted crossing the sky over Whenuapai, Te Atatu, and Kelston.
• March 18th, 1958: Mr. R. A. Ferri of Hamilton sighted a bright glowing, disc-shaped object.
• November 21st, 1958: Mr. R. Hallam and Mr. S. E. Rix of Tauranga observed a "blob of light" that made purposeful changes in direction.
• March 23rd, 1958: A child in Waipukurau spotted a brilliant "star-like" object moving in the clear blue sky, similar to Sputniks.
• April 2nd, 1958: A round object was seen moving across the sky over Opotiki.
• April 9th, 1958: Four Nelson residents reported a large triangular object, bright red in colour with white lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of "angel hair," its potential connection to UFOs, and the public's demand for government transparency regarding these phenomena. The editorial stance, as presented by Roger Horrocks, leans towards a scientific, natural explanation (gossamer) for angel hair, while acknowledging the ongoing mystery and the value of continued observation and investigation. The inclusion of numerous sighting reports from various locations underscores the widespread nature of these unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine also highlights the efforts of organizations like CSI in collecting and analyzing such reports.

Title: SPACE PROBE
Issue: Vol. 10 No. 4
Date: May 1958 (Cover date May 28, 1958)
Publisher: Civilian Saucer Investigation (N.Z.)
Country: New Zealand
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SPACE PROBE, published by Civilian Saucer Investigation (N.Z.), delves into various UFO phenomena, space travel discussions, and convention reports. It features a mix of contemporary accounts, historical references, and organizational news.

Feature Articles

"The Dominion," May 28, 1958. AVIATION MEN ADRIFT IN SPACE

This article reports on a symposium conducted by the Wellington branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society (N.Z. Division) concerning space travel. Speakers included Mr. B. Cornthwaite, who discussed technical developments, Group Captain A. H. Marsh of the R.N.Z.A.F. on the physical tests of space travel, Dr. P. P. Heller on legal aspects of aerial rights, and Sir Arthur Nevill, Director of Civil Aviation, who commented on the addresses without revealing his belief in flying saucers.

Boy's UFO Sighting Report

A detailed account is presented of a sighting by Douglas Salmon, a 14-year-old college boy, on the night of Tuesday, May 6, 1958. He described a round object, about 15 feet across, dropping slowly onto his lawn and emitting a silvery glow. He noted what appeared to be six windows and a blinking light. Before the object climbed away, something moved inside, blocking the light from one window. The boy reported seeing a slight mark on the lawn the next morning. The article notes that soil samples were taken but results are unknown. The report acknowledges that the story might be influenced by the recent screening of the film "Unidentified Flying Objects" but leaves the conclusion to the reader.

"Melbourne Argus," October 12, 1874. "UNKNOWNS" OVER AUSTRALIA—IN 1874

This section reprints a news item from 1874 describing an unusual and beautiful sight witnessed in Beechworth, Australia. It details a brilliant meteor that appeared shortly after sunset, described as larger than Venus, with a delicate color. The meteor left a magnificent silvery band and later assumed the shape of a gigantic snake. The phenomenon was also observed in other locations.

Swedish Government Report: SPHERICAL OBJECT HEADING FOR MOON

This report details a finding by the Swedish Defence Department. A Swedish army captain observed a round, bright object spiralling towards the moon on November 24. The object was described as a flattened sphere with elongated sides and a flickering glow. The details are being forwarded to the FOA, Sweden's research institute for armed forces.

"ASHTAR" FANS PLEASE NOTE: Les Girls from Venus

This letter, attributed to a "COSMOLOGIST" from Dannevirke, addresses the concept of "Ashtar" allegedly from Venus. The writer states that the name is unknown in the Venusian language and is a copy of Semitic and Greco-Roman goddesses of love. The letter asserts that Venusian speech resembles Latin and that names like "Lialia," "Mari-lia," and "Yuth-ana" are Venusian, but "Ashtar" is not.

"LEST WE FORGET"

This short piece includes a news item from a Boston newspaper from 1873 about the arrest of Joshua Coppersmith for attempting to extort funds by exhibiting a device he called a "TELEPHONE," which he claimed could transmit the human voice over wires. The item highlights the public's skepticism at the time.

PADRES PLEASE NOTE! UNDETERRED

This section discusses the Rev. R. W. Cartmel, Rector of Aldridge, who writes about flying saucers in his parish magazine. He notes a rebuke from a correspondent who felt the magazine was not the place for such topics, but Cartmel defends his stance, stating that those who laugh at saucers have not seriously studied the evidence, which he finds overwhelming.

Space Convention at Giant Rock, California - 1958

By RILEY CRABB

This extensive report details the 1958 Space Convention held at Giant Rock, California, organized by George Van Tassel. Crabb describes the vastness of the location, the diverse attendees (ranging from cowhands to metaphysicians), and the convention's program, which included speakers, parachute jumps, a magician, and a high diving stunt man.

Key figures mentioned include Frank Scully, Truman Bethurum, Dan Fry, Orfeo Angelucci, Trevor James, Mark Probert, and notably, the absence of George Adamski. The report highlights the experience of Reinhold Schmidt, a California grain buyer who claimed to have made contact with a spaceship crew in Nebraska. Schmidt's story, initially confirmed by local officials, was later retracted, leading to his commitment to a mental institution, from which he was eventually released after being deemed normal.

Crabb discusses the political implications of such gatherings, suggesting they can form pressure groups that influence Washington. He also mentions Major Wayne Aho, a retired Army officer involved in Washington Saucer Intelligence, who advocates for a Congressional committee to analyze flying saucer data. The report emphasizes the importance of organized political action, citing advice from a union organizer on how to gain attention from Congressmen.

The article concludes with Crabb's admiration for George Van Tassel and the attendees who endure the desert conditions for their shared interest.

Internal News

This section provides an update on the Civilian Saucer Investigation (N.Z.) organization. It notes a steady growth in membership, now numbering around 500. The Director acknowledges that administrative tasks are becoming demanding and apologizes for any delays in correspondence. Mrs. Weitzner, the Librarian, reports increased activity in the library. The section also thanks "The Adamski Correspondence Group" and "Junior Digest" for their mentions.

Publications Advertised

Several publications related to flying saucers are advertised, including "Flying Saucer Pilgrimage," "World Roundup of UFO Sightings and Events," and "The Truth About Flying Saucers." The Flying Saucer Bookshop in Auckland is also promoted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, space travel, and the activities of UFO research organizations. The editorial stance, as represented by the content and the organization publishing it, is one of serious investigation into these phenomena, encouraging public participation and research, and advocating for official attention to the subject. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings, exploring the implications of potential extraterrestrial contact, and understanding the political and social aspects surrounding UFO research.