Spacelink 1964 vol 1 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE LINK
Issue: VOLUME 1 NUMBER 2
Date: MAR/APR. 1964
Publisher: Isle of Wight Unidentified Flying Object Investigation Society (IWUFOIS)
Type: Journal

Editorial Transition and Society Information

The editorial begins with M. Whitford-Walders announcing his reluctant resignation as editor after only two issues, citing circumstances that have moved him hundreds of miles north of the Isle of Wight. He expresses that the remote-controlled compilation has been almost impossible due to publication deadlines, postal delays, and lack of direct conversation. Despite relinquishing the editorship, he affirms his continued commitment to UFOlogy and his intention to form a UFO group to cover the North Wales sector.

He then introduces his successor, Mr. F.W. Smith, whom he credits with the infectious enthusiasm that made IWUFOIS, SPACELINK, and UFOlog+ possible. Whitford-Walders thanks all those who supported the journal's success.

The new editor, F.W. Smith, expresses his regret at Michael's departure and his hope that concentrating "Spacelink" control on the Island will enable him to maintain the high standard set by Michael. He apologizes for the lateness of this second issue, attributing it to liaison difficulties and the Easter holidays. Smith promises that future issues will be published by the middle of the first month of each bi-monthly period and welcomes articles and news on UFO subjects.

He also notes that the first issue of SPACELINK was featured on BBC TV South at Six news magazine, with Chairman Mr. Len Cramp giving an interview that received favourable comments.

Information about IWUFOIS and its membership can be obtained from F.W. Smith (Hon.Sec.) at 4, Connaught Rd, East Cowes, Isle of Wight. SPACELINK enquiries, subscriptions, and articles should also be sent to this address. The journal is printed by Wight Secretarial Service, East Cowes, I.O.W.

Subscription rates are 12/- p.a. in the UK (post free), with single copies at 2/- post free. Back numbers are available at the standard price. Overseas subscribers must add 50% of the magazine cost for postage. Mrs P. Smith is now the Circulation Manager.

Investigations into Mysterious Holes

"Mystery" Hole on Island Farm

This article by F.W. Smith details IWUFOIS's first group investigation into a mysterious hole that appeared suddenly on the land of Mr. Ray Peach at Puckwell Farm, Niton, on January 16th. Mr. Peach had to stop ploughing his 13-acre field when the hole appeared. The hole was approximately 2 feet across and 12 inches wide, widening under the surface to about 3 feet across and going almost straight down for about 12 feet, narrowing slightly, then turning and disappearing around a bend. A large stone or flint jutted out of the wall about 6-7 feet down. A geiger counter test proved negative on the surface. Compasses were unaffected, and no unusual marks were found in the surrounding area. Photographs were taken.

A Bomb Disposal squad from H.M.S. Vernon, Portsmouth, conducted a preliminary investigation. Subsequently, an Army Bomb Disposal Unit made a more ambitious investigation, digging a hole 10 feet square by 20 feet deep before giving up without a firm conclusion. A report, unconfirmed, mentioned a piece of metal resembling a bomb splinter. The area had been heavily bombed during the war, and Mr. Peach had previously found a much smaller object, a 'thunderbolt', in the same field.

Members of IWUFOIS who visited the site on the night of January 16th expressed thanks to Constable P.C. W.J. Donovan for his assistance.

Conclusion: The Bomb Disposal Squad suggested the hole could have been caused by a natural ground movement or possibly an unexploded bomb. IWUFOIS acknowledges the opportunity for group effort but cannot add further to the conclusion. A photograph of the cross-section of the Niton hole is included.

Another 'Hole' Investigation

This article, by the Southampton Aerial Phenomena Investigation Group (SAPIG), reports on a mysterious hole that appeared at Slackstead, on Hursley Estate, near Winchester, on February 12th. Two men almost fell into it. SAPIG investigated the hole, which was described as a 'clay' hole dug by ancient Britons. A report in the 'Southern Evening Echo' suggested an 'old bomb' had caused it. SAPIG members conducted a more detailed examination, taking soil samples, but the results were not yet available. No magnetic influence was noted. The article points out certain resemblances between the Niton and Slackstead holes. A sketch of the cross-section of the Slackstead hole is provided.

Comment by IWUFOIS Secretary, F.W. Smith, notes that SAPIG, like IWUFOIS, acted quickly on these investigations.

Other Hole Reports

The journal briefly mentions another 20 feet-deep hole found in a barley field at Filleworth, West Sussex, on October 7th, 1963, where Bomb Disposal experts found nothing.

UFO Sightings and Air Ministry Challenge

Air Ministry Challenged on UFO by Channel Islands Man!

Mr. Colin Provest of Valongis, Alderney, challenged the Air Ministry regarding a UFO he saw on December 28th, 1963. He promised to pay £5 to a charity of their choice if they could prove the object was a weather balloon. Provest described seeing a strange object slowly descending at a 45-degree angle, about 40 yards away and 50 feet off the ground. In the moonlight, it appeared to be about 2 feet long, with a red sphere 9" in diameter and a solid yellowish-white tail 1½ feet long, narrowing to a point. It had an attachment resembling a reversed four-fin bomb flight. Provest was sure it was not a meteorite or signal rocket and noted no sound or vapour trail. No comment had been received from the Air Ministry.

On the same night, a resident of Mont Millais, Jersey, and his wife reported seeing a similar brilliant red object moving very fast towards the airport. Two men in Colomberie, Jersey, also reported seeing a red object slightly smaller than the moon, moving faster than a plane but slower than a meteorite, with sparks following it.

UFOs in Prehistory - Part Two

This article by N.L.B.S. of IWUFOIS discusses the attraction of UFOs to neolithic sites. The author suggests that these sites were located near sources of stone for economic reasons. The article delves into the geological composition of Earth's surface, particularly silicon and its potential for producing oxygen, and speculates on its use in spacecraft propulsion and anti-gravity devices. It also touches upon the possibility of 'pale blue ice' falling from the sky, potentially linked to liquid oxygen exhaust.

Dissemination of UFO Phenomena Concepts

J.D. Llewelyn, Chairman of SAUFOG, discusses how the concept of UFO phenomena is disseminated. He notes that groups and societies receiving UFO magazines and books are kept up-to-date. Llewelyn points out that developments are not always brought to the public's notice in obvious ways, but are assimilated slowly. He highlights comic strips, such as 'Jeff Hawke', as a means of disseminating these ideas, describing advanced alien spacecraft and 'New Age' concepts presented within them. He also mentions children's media like 'Supercar', 'Bleep and Booster', and 'Fireball XL5' as contributing to the public's familiarity with space travel and extraterrestrial concepts.

An Argument Against 'CONTACT'

In this article, M. Lloyd argues against the probability of contact with extraterrestrial beings. He presents facts and figures about the Universe, the Milky Way, and our solar system's age, emphasizing the vast distances between stars and galaxies. Lloyd calculates that even with advanced technology, travel between star systems would take millions of years, making contact highly improbable. He also discusses the history of life on Earth and the relatively short reign of Homo Sapiens, suggesting that the lifetime of any intelligent species on another planet is unlikely to coincide with ours. He concludes that while rational beings may exist on many planets, the likelihood of them interacting with humanity is extremely low.

Other Articles and Features

• "It is Highly Dangerous for the inexperienced to Dabble in such matters": A quote suggesting caution regarding UFO investigations.
• News: A section for current news items.
• Through a mirror darkly: An article by K.J. Ball.
• Ultra-cold The key to many technological advances: An article discussing the importance of low temperatures.
• What is UFOLOG?: An article by F.W. Smith.
• National Skywatch dates: Information on upcoming skywatch events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly mysterious ground disturbances attributed to potential UFO activity. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific and investigative approach to UFOlogy, with detailed reports from the Isle of Wight and surrounding areas. The journal also explores the broader implications of UFOs, including their potential connection to prehistory and the dissemination of related concepts through popular culture. The editorial stance, particularly in the article by M. Lloyd, leans towards skepticism regarding the likelihood of direct extraterrestrial contact, emphasizing the vastness of space and the improbability of coinciding timelines. However, the society itself is dedicated to the "unbiassed investigation of all UFO phenomena," indicating an open yet critical approach to the subject matter.

Title: Spacelink
Issue Date: February 1964
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Spacelink, dated February 1964, presents a diverse range of topics, from philosophical considerations of extraterrestrial contact to practical applications of scientific research and the operational details of a UFO research organization.

Cover Story: The Dangers of UFO Dabbling

The main cover headline, "IT IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS FOR THE INEXPERIENCED TO DABBLE IN SUCH MATTERS," sets a cautionary tone. This is followed by a reference to a previous "WHAT IS IT" article, suggesting a recent incident or query that prompted this warning. The text implies that a discovered object was potentially an "experimental explosive device" created by unknown parties. A subsequent letter from a finder, Mr. A. Rumsey, clarifies that the object was "much smaller than described" and notes a persistent anomaly: the grass refuses to grow over the affected area. The file on this matter has been closed pending further information.

Philosophical Musings on Universal Loneliness

An article on page 18 discusses the low probability of contact with other rational beings in the universe. The author argues that the vast differences in biological and astronomical time scales make such contact unlikely. Despite this potential loneliness, the author finds a "poetic splendour" and "pathos and tragedy" in humanity's existence as a product of a force opposing the universe's tendency to run down. The piece concludes that the probability of contact is too low to be considered, and explanations for UFOs should be sought in naturalistic hypotheses.

Biblical Quotations

Page 19 features three biblical quotations, seemingly chosen for their thematic resonance with phenomena or divine intervention:

• 2 Kings; 2, 11: Describes Elijah ascending to heaven in a chariot of fire and horses of fire.
• Exodus; 14, 19: Mentions a pillar of cloud moving to stand behind the Israelites, separating them from the Egyptian host.
• Exodus; 14, 24: Details the LORD looking down upon the host of Egyptians in the pillar of fire and cloud, discomfiting their chariot wheels.

IWUFOIS Officers and Organization

The issue lists the officers of IWUFOIS (likely an acronym for a UFO research group) for the years 1963-1964. The listed officers include:

• President: Mr. Peter Haigh
• Chairman: Mr. L.G. Cramp, A.R.Ae.S., M.S.I.A.
• Hon. Sec: Mr. F.W. Smith
• Acting Asst. Hon. Sec: Mr. K. Ball, B.SC., F.R.A.S., F.B.I.S.
• Treasurer: Mr. S.A. Richards
• Committee: Mr. J. Feakins (UFOLOG Information Officer), Mr. N. Stewart, Mr. A. Goodburn.

Staff members mentioned include Editor Mr. F.W. Smith, Circulation Manager Mrs P.N. Smith, and Librarian/Material Liaison Miss A. Spanner and Mr. L.G. Cramp.

News and Scientific Developments

Space Burial Methods

A February Daily Herald article by Noel Lindblom, Science Correspondent, discusses methods for "burying" an astronaut in space. Professor Charles Helvey of Tampa, Florida, proposes a method of cremation by the sun, where the astronaut's body would be placed in a cocoon-type coffin, ejected from the spaceship, and propelled towards the sun for destruction. This method is suggested as less psychologically disturbing than others.

Electric Battery Powered by Bacteria

An article from Scientific Horizons (U.S.I.S., Dec. 1963) describes a "Biological Fuel Cell" developed in the United States. This battery harnesses the energy of bacteria to produce electricity continuously for over 50 years. The cell uses plastic containers filled with rice husks and bacteria, with copper and aluminum connections to draw power.

Astronomy Explained: "Through a Mirror Darkly..."

Authored by K.J. Ball, B.Sc., F.R.A.S., F.B.I.S., this section aims to clarify common astronomical terms. It covers:

1. Setting up a Coordinate System: Explains concepts like the Celestial Sphere, Zenith, Nadir, and Horizon from the perspective of an observer on Earth.
2. Geographic and Geocentric Coordinates: Defines Astronomical Latitude, Geographical Latitude, Geographical Longitude, and Geocentric Latitude/Longitude.
3. Motions of the Earth: Describes the Earth's rotation and revolution, the Ecliptic, the Plane of the Ecliptic, the Vernal Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, and the Precession of the Equinox.
4. Time: Differentiates between Sidereal Day, Apparent Solar Day, and Mean Solar Day.
5. Declination and Right Ascension: Explains how celestial bodies' positions are measured using these terms, with Declination akin to "sky latitude" and Right Ascension measured in units of time.

General Astronomical Terms

Page 24 continues the astronomical discussion, defining:

• Perigee and Apogee: Points on an orbit closest to and furthest from Earth, respectively.
• Perihelion and Aphelion: Similar terms when the Sun is at the focus of the orbit.
• Albedo: The ratio of reflected radiant energy to received energy for a planet.
• Astronomical Unit: The distance between the Sun and Earth (93 million miles).
• Light Year: The distance light travels in one year (5.88 million million miles).

Cryogenics: The Key to Technological Advances

An article titled "ULTRA-COID - The key to many technological advances" highlights the growing applications of cryogenics, the study of ultra-cold temperatures. It notes that while confined to laboratories for decades, the last 10 years have seen significant applications in medicine, biology, and industry. The article suggests cryogenics may hold the key to major technological advancements in the latter half of the 20th century. It discusses a paradoxical application in the United States: using ultra-cold to generate electricity from superheat. The text describes how at near "Absolute Zero" (-459 degrees F), normal laws of nature change, making steel brittle, gases fluid, and metals lose electrical resistance. It introduces "superconductivity," where certain metals shaped into a ring can permit an electric current to flow indefinitely. An example is given of a superconducting metal used as a one-pound electric magnet, energized by a six-watt battery, which maintained a magnetic strength 100,000 times that of the Earth's magnetic field without continuous power.

Another experimental system described involves generating electricity from plasmas passed through a strong magnetic field at high temperatures (4500 F), a process termed "magnetohydrodynamics."

What is "UFOlog"?

Authored by F.W. Smith of IWUFOIS, this section defines "UFOlog" as a term coined by IWUFOIS members for a national sighting and recording network. The system is designed to be cheap, easy to operate, and efficient in collecting and circulating UFO sighting information, acknowledging the limitations of minority groups in terms of time and money. The goal is to provide a basic framework of factual information that can be cross-checked and correlated, potentially aiding research like that of Aime Michel on "The Straight Line Theory."

National Skywatch Dates

The original "Skywatch" dates of June 11th and September 16th, 1964, have been altered to Friday, June 12th, 1964, and Friday, September 18th, 1964. The rationale for these dates is explained: June 11th was whispered as significant at a BUFOA conference, and the Friday nearest to it was chosen. September 18th is linked to a quote from Dr. Robert Randall regarding potential magnetic landings on Marlborough Downs, Wiltshire.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a cautious and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, advocating for naturalistic explanations and rigorous research. There's a strong emphasis on organized data collection and dissemination through systems like "UFOlog." The magazine also demonstrates an interest in cutting-edge scientific developments, such as cryogenics and magnetohydrodynamics, suggesting a belief that these fields might hold clues to understanding UFO technology. The inclusion of biblical quotes hints at a broader, perhaps spiritual or historical, context being considered alongside scientific inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging serious, methodical investigation while warning against premature or inexperienced conclusions.