Space Review

Magazine Overview

Title: Space Review
Issue: Vol. I, No. 1
Date: October, 1952
Publisher: Albert K. Bender
Country: U.S.A.
Price: $.35

This inaugural issue of Space Review focuses heavily on the phenomenon of flying saucers, detailing numerous sightings reported across the United States and internationally. It highlights the formation and purpose of the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB), an organization dedicated to collecting and disseminating information on these aerial objects. The magazine includes reports from various locations, descriptions of object characteristics, and mentions of investigations by authorities like the Air Force.

Flurry of Sightings After Formation of IFSB

The lead article details a significant increase in flying saucer sightings following the formation of the IFSB. Reports come from Washington D.C., where the Air Force attempted to intercept radar blips; New York City, with sightings of orange, oval objects; Los Alamos, New Mexico, where a metallic object performed a 360-degree turn; the Mojave Desert; Seattle, Washington; and Miami, Florida, where pilots reported eight saucers moving at high speed and glowing intensely. Other locations reporting sightings include Mayfield, Kentucky; Denver, Colorado; Madrid, Spain; and Salem, Massachusetts, where a photograph was reportedly taken.

International reports include sightings in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where a couple saw a round object; Milford, Connecticut, where a silver ball was observed; New Haven, Connecticut, by aircraft ground observers; West Palm Beach, Florida, involving a scoutmaster and scouts who encountered a blast of fire from an object; Ancona, Italy, where a sun-bright object crashed into the sea; Ft. Worth, Texas, with a fast-moving form; Cheyenne, Wyoming, with a blinding light; Copenhagen, Denmark, of a bluish-glowing triangle; and Sutton, West Virginia, where a monster was reportedly encountered.

The IFSB President expresses hope that the organization will soon have branches in England, France, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, and Australia, in addition to existing ones in Canadian provinces.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "Editorial," discusses the public's general dismissal of flying saucer reports, comparing it to the panic caused by the Orson Welles broadcast. It posits that Earth may be under observation by a highly advanced extraterrestrial civilization. The author disagrees with scientists who claim interstellar travel is impossible, suggesting that beings from other planets might have found ways to preserve life for eternity. The editorial also touches upon a theory of the fourth dimension and speculates that the U.S.A. may have secretly sent humans to the moon, keeping it from the public due to potential international conflict. It concludes by urging the public to focus on the heavens, suggesting greater danger may lie there.

From the Associate Editor's Desk

Max Krengel, Associate Editor, addresses the mystery of flying saucers, outlining three types of individuals: those who believe they are from other planets or elsewhere on Earth, those who see them as unexplainable natural phenomena, and those who believe sightings are due to hallucinations. Krengel emphasizes that intelligent people, including airline and Air Force pilots, are reporting these objects, making the hallucination theory difficult to accept. He asserts that something is indeed occurring in the sky and that dismissing the possibility is a sign of questionable intelligence.

Science Fiction News

This section reviews recent science fiction movies, books, and magazines. It mentions the movie "3000 A.D.," books like "City in the Sea" by Wilson "Bob" Tucker, "The Green Hills of Earth" by Bob Heinlein, an anthology by A. E. VanVogt, and Isaac Asimov's "I, Robot." It also highlights fanzines such as Science Fiction Newsletter, Science and Culture Magazine, and publications from the United States Rocket Society. The section recommends FATE magazine for true stories and SAUCER REVIEW for flying saucer enthusiasts. It also notes that Franklin M. Dietz, Jr., is putting his fanzine onto tape instead of publishing it. The movie "Destination Moon" is praised for its realism and technical execution.

My Theory

This section presents five theories submitted by IFSB members regarding flying saucers:

• Theory No. 1 (Gail Sprague, Wisconsin): Saucers are from another planet, not figments of imagination, balloons, or hysteria, as even scientists report vivid descriptions.
• Theory No. 2 (Ronald Gmyrek, Minnesota): Saucers are from another planet, possibly Mars, operated by magnetic force by highly intelligent beings for observation and communication.
• Theory No. 3 (Frank Garay, Connecticut): Saucers are spaceships built by a more intelligent race who come in peace, viewing Earth as a "planet of wars."
• Theory No. 4 (Dick Campbell, Indiana): Objects are from another planet, possibly Venus, due to its similar size, proximity, and cloud cover.
• Theory No. 5 (Ronald Kinnear, New York): Intelligent beings are analyzing Earth's life and progress, possibly seeking a new home due to Earth's suitability. The government should reveal the truth.

Highlights About Representatives

This section provides updates on various IFSB representatives and their activities. It commends Victor Root for his active work, notes Robert R. Ritter's reports on aerial objects in Tennessee, and highlights Alan Rievman's success in gaining new members. Earl D. Broaddus suggests tuning into radio commentator Frank Edwards for saucer reports. Bruce A. Jenkins reports August as a busy month for sightings in Michigan. Gail Sprague is noted for her interest and contributions. J. Ronald Albert from Ontario, Canada, is noted for having no reports. Dick Campbell claims many interested friends in Indiana. Gilbert E. Menicucci and Marvin Kisor are also mentioned for their efforts in gathering members and clippings. Diane Buchanan from Iowa is asked to send clippings.

Directory of Representatives

A directory lists representatives by state and province, including their names and addresses. This section also notes that these names will not be published again.

Let's Look at the Heavens

This section provides astronomical information for October, November, and December, including dates for the Harvest Moon, Saturn's conjunction, meteor showers (Ormionids, Leonids, Geminids), Jupiter at opposition, and Mercury's positions. It also lists the Hayden Planetarium's show schedule for October-December, featuring "The Earth in Space" and "The Star of Bethlehem."

"Escape" by Akben Dem

A short-short story titled "Escape" is included, featuring a dialogue between a Professor and his assistant about leaving Earth due to impending atomic war. The Professor abandons his assistant, but later returns in a saucer-like object. Two figures emerge, claiming to be from Earth's "sixth planet in the fourth orbit," which they call "Nao," and state they are escaping their own atomic wars. They explain that "Nao" was once called Earth, implying a cyclical destruction and rebirth of civilizations.

Saucer Sightings by IFSB Members

This section details three specific sightings reported by IFSB members:

• Sighting No. 1 (George D. Fawcett, N.C.): A round, orange, disk-like globe sighted at Lynchburg, Va., on July 6, 1951, moving slowly then gaining speed, with no noise or trail, hovering, and zig-zagging at about 225 feet.
• Sighting No. 2 (Dick Campbell, Ind.): Three disc-shaped objects, yellow-orange-red, sighted over Franklin, Indiana, on July 28, 1952, moving at 250-300 m.p.h., with one disc pulling under another. Height estimated at 15,000 feet.
• Sighting No. 3 (Barbara Knorr, Conn.): A round object with a point on one end, orange in color, sighted at Bridgeport, Conn., on July 28, 1952, moving in a half-circle at slow speed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of flying saucer sightings, the growing interest and organization around the phenomenon (exemplified by the IFSB), and the exploration of various theories regarding their origin and purpose, ranging from extraterrestrial visitors to advanced human technology. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness towards the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and advanced space travel, while also expressing concern about global conflict and the potential for hidden truths regarding human space achievements. The magazine actively encourages member participation through submitting theories and news.

Title: SPACE REVIEW
Issue: 11
Issue Date: January 2, 1953 (implied by 'Next issue out January 2, 1953')
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Article: ARE SAUCERS HERE TO STAY?

This article, written by Earl D. Broaddus, a Kentucky Representative, reflects on the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), or 'saucers,' from the perspective of someone who has followed science fiction for nearly twenty-five years. Broaddus expresses that while he has long been prepared for the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors, the 1947 'saucer story' still generated significant excitement. He observes that the proliferation of books and articles on the subject has caused a 'flurry of excitement' among the public, including many who were previously skeptical.

The author questions the government's role, suggesting it might be either protecting the public or ignoring the issue. Broaddus believes that if the government possesses information about the saucers, it is time to share it. He recounts a compelling report from an interview with Bill Squire, a radio listener from Pittsburgh, Kansas. Squire described seeing an object hovering about ten feet above the ground while he was driving to work one morning. The object appeared to have windows with a changing bluish light and emitted a pulsing sound. Squire estimated its length at seventy-five feet and noted its dull finish. When he stopped his car, the object ascended straight up with a sound reminiscent of flushed quail.

Broaddus acknowledges that amidst the vast amount of written material on the subject, there must be some truth. He speculates that any visitors from outer space would be highly advanced, having likely learned to live in peace and overcome social and economic problems. He envisions such a civilization evolving to great cultural and scientific heights, possibly viewing humanity's 'clumsy tampering with power' as a threat to themselves and others, especially given the potential dangers of nuclear power as described by some scientists.

Article: WE WANT YOU TO MEET ALBERT K. BENDER

This section introduces Albert K. Bender, identified as the President of the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB). Born in Duryea, Pennsylvania, in 1921, Bender moved to Connecticut and has pursued studies in Industrial Supervision. He works as a Chief Timekeeper in a large industrial plant.

Bender's interests extend beyond science fiction, encompassing the 'weird and supernatural.' His home in Bridgeport is decorated with his own artwork, which he describes as 'pictures of characters usually en only in bad dreams,' calling his den his 'chamber of horrors.'

The 'flying saucer' mystery inspired Bender to establish the International Flying Saucer Bureau. He is also a collector of classical and semi-classical recordings, including many rare and unusual ones. He is an active tape-correspondent and possesses a significant collection of science-fiction books and magazines. The article concludes with a personal note from the Associate Editor, mentioning Bender's culinary skills, particularly his spaghetti and meatball dinners.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on UFO phenomena, science fiction, and related mysteries. The editorial stance, as suggested by the articles, is one of open inquiry into UFOs, questioning official narratives, and exploring the potential implications of extraterrestrial contact. There is a clear interest in personal accounts and the activities of organizations dedicated to studying these phenomena, such as the International Flying Saucer Bureau.