Spacelink 1964 vol 1 no 5

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE LINK
Issue: Volume 1, Number 5
Date: September/October 1964
Publisher: Isle of Wight Unidentified Flying Object Investigation Society (IWUFOIS)
Type: Journal

Editorial

The editorial, dated October 1, 1964, reacts to a Daily Mail report about an unidentified flying object over London and Essex. The editor notes the media's tendency to explain away UFO phenomena, often relying on 'experts' to provide conventional answers. The piece contrasts the '99%' of the public who accept these explanations with the '1%' engaged in UFO research. It highlights the challenging and often frustrating nature of UFO research, acknowledging that many researchers feel little progress has been made despite years of study. However, it expresses a conviction that UFOs represent the beginning of a significant story that could redefine human understanding of mysteries. The journal 'Spacelink' is positioned as a platform for diverse viewpoints, committed to a grounded approach without pandering to 'cults'. The editor apologizes for publication delays, attributing them to the challenges of small circulation magazines.

Contents and Articles

Flaming Objects Over Poland Author: Antoni W. Szachnowski

This article details a series of strange flaming objects observed in Polish skies, beginning in 1957 over Cracow. Initially, these were often explained away as student pranks involving balloons with lights, a tradition attributed to Cracow Academy's history. However, similar sightings occurred in other locations like Klodzko, Raciborz, Katowice, Tarnow, and Rzeszow. A significant wave of sightings in the summer of 1959 shifted northwards, with reports from Zielona Gora, Poznan, Wloclawek, Ostroleka, and Bialystok. Later, sightings were reported over Wroclaw, Lodz, Warsaw, and Bielsk, met with a hostile press attitude. The article includes a map illustrating the routes of frequent UFO flights in Poland during the period.

Did Radar Operator Spot a "Saucer"? Report: Unidentified Radar Echo Date: June 24, 1963

This section presents a detailed report of a radar sighting. An object was detected at a range of 12 miles, described as thin, parallel lines of unequal length, approximately 8 miles long and moving at 5,400 m.p.h. It was tracked out to 29 miles, where it became stationary for 18 seconds before reversing course and moving at 450 m.p.h. The echo eventually diminished and disappeared. The report notes that for security reasons, details of the location and purpose of the radar system, which is located in the British Isles, were not made available. The article suggests that while many radar sightings are explained, this report indicates that UFOs are not going undetected by radar operators.

Radar and the U.F.O. (Part I) Author: R.S. Squires

This article begins a series examining the role of radar in UFO research. It posits that given the constant scrutiny of global airspace by various radar systems, it would be surprising if they did not detect extraterrestrial intruders. The author notes that while many unidentified echoes are received, they are often a prime concern for defense radar operators due to the prevailing world situation and the threat of surprise attack. The article suggests that the precision of radar detection likely results in fewer unexplained sightings compared to visual observations. However, security surrounding military departments often prevents disclosure of such controversial data. The piece aims to indicate phenomena interpretable as extraterrestrial, provide explanations, and discuss radar's capabilities and limitations.

Elementary Radar: The article explains the basic components of a radar system: transmitter, aerial system, receiver, and data-handling system (display screen). It describes how pulses of radio energy are transmitted, strike a target, and return as echoes, which are then amplified and displayed, typically on a cathode ray tube as a 'plan position indicator' (p.p.i.).

Solar System No.2 The Planet Mercury Author: J.W. Feakins of IWUFOIS

This article provides astronomical details about Mercury. It notes Mercury's close orbit to the Sun (36 million miles), making it difficult to study. Observations are limited to twilight periods. The article discusses Mercury's orbital velocity, diameter (3,100 miles), and mass (0.05 of Earth's). It mentions the historical belief in a planet named Vulcan within Mercury's orbit, which has since been disproven. Mercury's low albedo (0.13) means it is not a particularly bright object. The article also details Mercury's rotation period (believed to be 88 days, matching its orbit), resulting in one hemisphere always facing the Sun, leading to extreme temperature differences between the day side (300-400°C) and the dark side (near absolute zero). It touches upon the lack of a permanent atmosphere due to low escape velocity. The article includes diagrams illustrating Mercury's orbit and phases as seen from Earth.

How the Moon Got There Source: Credit "Daily Herald" and extracts from a U.S.I.S. "Moonshot" Booklet.

This section discusses the implications of the Ranger 7 mission's close-up photographs of the Moon. The mission, costing £17,500 per picture, provided a map of an area comparable to Yorkshire. Scientists are excited by the mission's accuracy, the potential for manned lunar landings by 1968-1969 (timed with low solar radiation), and the possibility of answering the question of the Moon's origin. The article favors the 'Moon-out-of-Earth' theory, proposed by Sir George Darwin, suggesting the Moon was formed from Earth when it was spinning faster. Evidence cited includes Russia's Lunik III probe showing less pitting on the far side of the Moon. The article also references a U.S.I.S. booklet detailing a mysterious, jagged rock-like object found inside a crater in the F-A series of photos, which has sparked scientific controversy regarding its origin.

Is There Life on Earth? Author: From a Lunatic Correspondent

This satirical piece, prompted by the Moon photographs, humorously suggests that 'Earthman' (humans) exhibit characteristics of life. It describes humans as beings who use 'channels' (roads) and achieve 'considerable speeds' in 'boxes on four wheels' (cars). It observes their tendency to 'mass on certain channels' and engage in 'orderly queues' or occasional 'outbreaks of violence' (traffic incidents). The correspondent concludes that despite the cost, humanity needed to know if life existed elsewhere, even if it was as strange as observing Earthmen.

A Reiteration Author: M. Lloyd

This article addresses objections to the author's previous arguments against 'contact' and indirect objections raised by J. Cleary-Baker. M. Lloyd discusses the concept of the universe's size and the possibility of rapid interstellar travel, referencing a theory that a space traveler moving at 99% the speed of light could girdle the universe in 41.9 years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of unidentified flying objects, with a focus on specific sightings in Poland and radar detection. Astronomical topics, such as the planet Mercury and the origin of the Moon, are also featured, linking space exploration to the broader context of scientific inquiry. The editorial stance, as articulated by F.W. Smith, is one of open-minded investigation, presenting diverse viewpoints on UFO phenomena without endorsing specific 'cults' or theories, while maintaining a grounded and rational approach. The journal aims to be a platform for discussion and information sharing within the UFO research community.

This issue of Spacelink magazine, dated May 1963, delves into the complexities of space travel, ufology, and critical analysis of UFO-related claims. The publication appears to be a UK-based magazine focused on these subjects, featuring articles that blend scientific theory with skeptical inquiry.

Theoretical Calculations and Space Travel

The issue begins with a detailed mathematical exploration of Time Dilation, presented by Mr. Cleary-Baker. He calculates the time dilation factor for a spaceship traveling at 99% of the speed of light, determining it to be 14%, which translates to a 14% reduction in travel-time. Based on this, he provides astonishingly short travel times for vast interstellar distances, such as 0.18 seconds to the Moon, 70 seconds to the Sun, 0.6 years to Alpha Centauri, 7,000 years to the Milky Way Centre, 300,000 years to the Andromeda Nebula, and a staggering 900,000,000 years to 'Round the Universe'. He humorously suggests the spaceman should take his coffin.

Cleary-Baker then addresses criticisms from 'Mrs. Spanner', defending his hypotheses and challenging the 'argument from authority'. He dismisses the reliance on opinions from figures like Sir Leonard Woolley and Dr. Leakey, emphasizing the need for evidence and logical reasoning. He also touches upon the ambiguity in defining 'man' and 'man-ape' and offers a correction factor of 2 for his calculations regarding the age of homo sapiens. He clarifies that his reference to the beginning of civilization was tied to the downfall of the Roman Empire, a point he deems minor given the vast timescales discussed.

He further clarifies his statement about a 15-second spaceship journey to the Moon at 10% the speed of light, explaining it was intended to illustrate the concept of speed, not to imply an instantaneous launch. He disagrees with Mrs. Spanner's assertion that Pythagorean geometry in an ancient civilization proves sophisticated mathematics, arguing that no civilization other than our own has demonstrably developed more than rudimentary knowledge of equations and calculus. He also reiterates his point about the lack of intricate metal tools in ancient civilizations.

Cleary-Baker acknowledges Mrs. Spanner's criticism that he "cooked" the statistics, admitting that while he did not intentionally manipulate them, he has since decided that some of his initial assumptions were not as accurately made as they might have been. He states that his assumptions are based on current scientific theory, even if incomplete, and that he sees no other cogent evidence to use. He revises his calculations, suggesting that after raising tolerances and applying a correction factor of 2, there are approximately 200 planets in our galaxy that might host civilizations at a similar developmental stage to ours. Despite this, he maintains that "contact remains a virtual impossibility."

He concludes this section by expressing his belief that while physical contact with other civilizations is unlikely, electronic detection of extraterrestrial beings is probable, even if their messages arrive long after they have vanished into cosmic dust.

UFOLOGY: A Practical Guide

F. Malcolm Bull, from the Halifax Branch of BUFORA, contributes an article titled "BRUSH UP YOUR UFOLOGY". He notes that ufology was recently engulfed by reports of holes and craters, and aims to ward off apathy during quieter periods. He divides the field of ufology into four categories:

Observational

This category focuses on training observers to identify key features of aerial phenomena, enabling them to make accurate assessments of sightings. Such training is also beneficial for investigating reports and interviewing witnesses.

Historical

This branch is for armchair researchers interested in collecting references to unusual aerial objects from old books and magazines. It suggests starting with an index of Charles Fort's books and then expanding to include old newspapers, periodicals, and publications from UFO research societies.

Theoretical

This section involves physical and statistical analyses of evidence from sighting reports, using methods like the Correlation Coefficient and Chi-square Test. It encourages exploration of these methods for future research but dismisses the 'lunatic fringe' that seeks esoteric relationships between UFOs and world events.

Interpretive

This involves 'spreading the word' by making the subject interesting and attractive to the public, particularly the younger generation. It aims to remove the veil of mysticism and lunacy through clear, logical, and unbiased presentation of evidence. This includes forming local societies, arranging meetings, and producing publications to increase public respect and understanding.

Bull encourages readers to contact UFO associations if they wish to further their interest.

The Case Against George Adamski

J. Cleary-Baker, Ph.D., presents a strong case against George Adamski, arguing that his claims of contact with extraterrestrials lack concrete evidence and are riddled with internal weaknesses. He critiques Adamski's narrative of a "memorable November Twentieth" encounter, pointing out that Adamski controlled all aspects of the expedition, leading his group to a remote, pre-selected spot. This, Cleary-Baker argues, establishes the prerequisite conditions for a hoax.

He likens the "Mother Ship" episode to "having an eye to the main chance," noting that the object was described as high in the sky, leading to plausible explanations like an aircraft with invisible wings. He suggests common sense indicates this was the correct explanation, especially since airplanes were present. He also questions Adamski's claim that the object was a spaceship, noting that his party decided this on "no clear evidence." Cleary-Baker suggests Adamski added "corroborative detail" to bolster his story.

He further criticizes Adamski's photographs, describing them as "dumpy, blotchy horrors" that bear little resemblance to genuine UFOs, which he characterizes as looking like "two piepans, one inverted on top of the other, with a small and possibly retractable conning-tower on top." He analyzes specific plates from "Flying Saucers Have Landed," arguing that the depiction of the Moon and the sharp definition of the saucer's rim in Plate 1 suggest the saucer was flying upside down or was a model. In Plate 7, he argues that the sharp definition of both the saucer's rim and the background trees indicates the saucer was at rest when photographed, suggesting it might have been a model suspended in the air.

Cleary-Baker points out that photographs of Adamski-type saucers have been produced by others only after Adamski's photos were issued, citing the Coniston "saucer" as a double exposure and others as fakes from models. He concludes that Adamski's narratives have inspired imitators and have significantly impeded serious UFO research by discrediting the subject.

He also addresses the myth of "kindly supermen" in flying saucers, stating that while UFO-denizens might be benevolent, there is no evidence they would intervene in human affairs, such as a nuclear war. He believes it is escapism to cherish such illusions and that illusions, unlike truth, are eventually shattered.

Cleary-Baker notes that while Adamski contrives an atmosphere of sincerity, a hoaxer would not display shiftiness. He draws a parallel to Dr. Samuel Johnson being deceived by George Psalmanazer, emphasizing that "fine feathers do not always make fine birds."

He concludes by stating that even if Adamski's motives are good, "good ends are never served by the employment of bad means," and that "pious frauds" tend to recoil on believers.

"Fireflies" and Astronauts

In a note, Cleary-Baker clarifies that his article was written in May 1963 for a L.U.F.O.R.O. Study-Symposium. He addresses the "fireflies" reported by Colonel Glenn, which Adamski believers equated with a phenomenon described in Adamski's book. Cleary-Baker states the two narratives have little in common and suggests the "fireflies" seen by the U.S. astronaut were likely frost particles from the capsule's outer surface, dislodged by impact. He cites Scott Carpenter's observation of "fireflies" flying past the window after hitting the cabin, reinforcing his belief that they were frost particles. He has studied a color photograph of a "firefly" and believes it looks like a particle of frost.

Late News: Glassboro Incident

The issue includes a "LATE NEWS" report from Newark, New Jersey, dated September 11th. American Air Force investigators photographed and made diagrams of 15 mysterious holes in the ground near Glassboro. These materials were to be sent to the Air Force's Unidentified Flying Objects Centre at Wright-Paterson Air Force Base. The holes were discovered after reports of an unusual red glow in the sky. In a clearing, a circle of ground about 20 feet across appeared scorched, with a central conical hole 30 inches across and over 2 feet deep. Eleven smaller 4-inch holes were grouped around it, and three more formed a 25-foot triangle enclosing the others. Bits of metal and sand fused into glass were found in the main hole. A spokesman at McGuire Air Force base confirmed that three officers representing Air Force intelligence, ground and air safety, and disaster control were sent to Glassboro to investigate "an unusual circumstance." The spokesman stated, "We can't say one way or another," and that a report was expected the following week. Spacelink indicated it would follow up on this report.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Spacelink demonstrates a strong commitment to critical analysis and scientific rigor in the study of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, particularly concerning claims of extraterrestrial contact and the uncritical acceptance of evidence. The magazine encourages a methodical approach to research, emphasizing the importance of observational accuracy, historical documentation, and theoretical analysis based on current scientific understanding. There is a clear effort to debunk sensationalism and to separate factual evidence from speculation and wishful thinking, as exemplified by the detailed critique of George Adamski's claims and the scientific explanations offered for phenomena like the "fireflies."