Space Review - Volume 3 number 3 - 1954 08

Magazine Overview

Title: Space Review
Issue: Vol. III, No. III
Date: August 1954
Publisher: A SCIENCE NEWS-LETTER
Location: P. O. Box 241, Bridgeport 4, Conn., U. S. A.
Publication Type: A LIMITED AND RESTRICTED PUBLICATION

This issue of Space Review, dated August 1954, focuses heavily on predictions for the upcoming year, 1955, and delves into scientific concepts such as anti-matter. It presents a mix of speculative future events, scientific reports, and a 'True or False' section examining various claims.

SPACE REVIEW PREDICTS THE FUTURE: THE YEAR 1955: Predictions

The magazine boldly forecasts that 1955 will be a historically significant year marked by great scientific discoveries and strange celestial developments. Key predictions include:

• Medical Advancements: A cure for cancer is expected, followed by a step towards curing heart disease.
• Celestial Mysteries: A strange phenomenon in the skies will aid in conquering the mysteries of space and the universe.
• Archaeological Discovery: Noah's Ark is predicted to be found by explorers, revealing strange writings that will shed new light on ancient history.
• Extreme Weather and Disasters: The year will see terrible destruction from weather, including strange rumblings in the Arctic, unbearable heat on the North Eastern coast of the U.S., bitter cold and snow in the Southern U.S., and a complete change in England's weather. Earthquakes, tidal waves, hurricanes, and tornadoes are expected to make headlines, causing many lives to be lost.
• Societal and Political Events: A significant three-letter word, which will be disliked, is predicted to dominate headlines around Christmas 1955. A strange illness affecting thousands of humans in North America, particularly their eyes, is also foreseen. Science will announce a great discovery from a leading observatory, making global headlines. Telephones are predicted to be equipped with television screens, though at an enormous cost. Laws governing birth control will be debated by the Federal government, leading to a world discussion at the U.N. A weapon deadlier than the Cobalt bomb will be announced. An automobile design will revolutionize the industry, leading to a complete change in car production. Railroads will announce significant facility improvements. A famous explorer is expected to make a startling discovery at the North Pole.

PARTICLE FROM SPACE HELD AS EVIDENCE OF "MATTER IN REVERSE"

This article, by Rennie Taylor of the Associated Press, reports on a significant scientific finding. A University of Chicago scientist, Dr. Marcel Schein, has found what is believed to be the first substantial evidence of stable "matter in reverse," a particle from outer space that annihilates earthly matter. This particle, possibly an anti-proton, struck an aluminum-covered film pack carried by a cosmic ray research balloon over Texas. The impact produced a sequence suggesting the conversion of earthly matter into energy and then back into another form of matter.

Dr. Schein explained that an anti-proton is the counterpart of a proton, the core of the hydrogen atom. When an anti-proton and a proton collide, they destroy each other, which is what is believed to have happened when the space particle hit the film pack. The implications are far-reaching, suggesting that somewhere in the universe, there are means of annihilating or converting matter into energy. It also supports the theory that forms of matter made entirely of contra-terrene particles might exist. The article reassures readers that there is no danger of corralling anti-protons to destroy the planet, as they are scarce and difficult to handle. They might be produced artificially in atom-smashing machines for checking nuclear theories, potentially leading to new forms of atomic energy.

TRUE OR FALSE STATEMENTS

This section presents several statements for readers to evaluate, framed within the context of freedom of the press and the potential for sensationalism in magazines and periodicals. The magazine suggests that many wild ideas are based on leaked information.

1. UNITED STATES HAS ESTABLISHED A BASE ON THE MOON: This base, allegedly set up in 1947 and growing in size, is called Project Luna. It is claimed that radar and radio guided objects maintain contact with Earth, and that volunteers (soldiers and scientists without families) were used for security. Billions of dollars from atom research were purportedly used for this project.
2. RUSSIA HAS REACHED THE MOON AND IS PREPARING LAUNCHING SITES FOR SUPER ROCKETS: It is claimed that the Soviet Union, with the help of German scientists from after World War II, has reached the moon. Their alleged plan is to use the moon as a launching station for super rockets aimed at free democratic nations, contributing to Russia's arrogance.
3. A SUPER DEVICE HAS BEEN INVENTED BY A WORLD POWER THAT WILL SURPASS ANY TYPE OF AIRCRAFT ON THE EARTH: This statement is presented without further detail, but is quoted with the remark, "THE TRUTH IS FANTASTIC" by Al. Bender.
4. THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT IS CONCEALING SOMETHING SO FANTASTIC THAT EVEN THEY ARE AFRAID TO REVEAL IT TO THE PUBLIC: This statement is presented for the reader's consideration.
5. RUSSIA IS PLANNING ON A NON-DESTRUCTIVE WAR USING A SPECIAL GAS THAT WILL PUT ALL THE VICTIMS TO SLEEP UNTIL THEY FULLY TAKE OVER THE COUNTRY INTACT. THE GAS WILL BE SPREAD BY A STRANGE GUIDED OBJECT OF CIRCULAR SHAPE: This statement outlines a specific tactic involving a sleeping gas delivered by a circular object.

The magazine leaves it to the reader to decide the truthfulness of these statements.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL READERS

• Orson Welles Broadcast Recording: A recording of the Orson Welles "War of the Worlds" broadcast from the early 1930s, which reportedly caused panic and some deaths, is now available. Interested readers can obtain it from Dauntless International, 225 Lafayette Street, New York 12, New York, for $5.95 (Audio Masterpiece LPA-2355).

A FINE NEW BOOK BY JOHN WILEY AND SONS, INC.

• "PHYSICAL METEOROLOGY" by John C. Johnson: This book, published by John Wiley and Sons, Inc., is described as a comprehensive picture of the new branch of meteorology. It is designed for research workers and professional meteorological courses, requiring a background in basic physics and mathematics. A key feature is its organized presentation of concepts behind modern rain-making attempts. The author's credentials include degrees from Middlebury College and MIT, U.S. Air Force service, and current work on a weather radar project at Tufts College. Space Review highly recommends this volume, calling its contents priceless and its concept one of the finest on the subject.

Next Issue Information

The next issue of Space Review will be published in the latter part of October 1954.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Space Review exhibits a strong interest in speculative future events, particularly those related to science, technology, and potential global changes. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting intriguing possibilities and challenging claims, encouraging readers to think critically and form their own conclusions, as seen in the "True or False" section. There's a clear fascination with the unknown, from celestial phenomena and space exploration to advanced weaponry and potential societal shifts. The magazine also acts as a curator of sorts, recommending books and historical recordings relevant to its science-focused readership. The inclusion of predictions, even those bordering on the fantastical, suggests an editorial approach that embraces the imaginative and forward-looking aspects of science and futurism.