Spacelink 1965 vol 2 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: spacelink
Issue: No.1
Volume: Volume 2
Date: Spring 1965 (Quarterly)
Publisher: Isle of Wight Unidentified Flying Object Investigation Society (IWUFOIS)
Country: UK

This issue of 'spacelink' is the first number of Volume 2, published in Spring 1965. It is the journal of the Isle of Wight Unidentified Flying Object Investigation Society (IWUFOIS), a non-sectarian, non-political, non-profit organization dedicated to the unbiased investigation of UFO phenomena. The views expressed within the journal are not necessarily those of the Society or the Editor. Subscription rates are provided for UK and overseas readers, with single copies costing 2/22 post free.

Contents

The issue features a wide range of articles and reports, including:

• Editorial: Discussing speculation and confusion surrounding flying saucers.
• Authentic New Mexico Landing: A detailed account of the Socorro, New Mexico sighting by City Officer Lonnie Zamora on April 24, 1964.
• 'Flying Saucers' pay a visit: Reports of unidentified objects hovering over Helsby Hill in October 1964.
• Radar & the UFO (No: 2): An in-depth technical article by R.S. Squires explaining the principles of radar systems and their relevance to UFO detection.
• The 'U.F.O's' of 1850's!: Historical accounts of unusual aerial phenomena from the mid-19th century.
• The Titicaca Calender & Other Mysteries: Exploring ancient artifacts and unexplained phenomena.
• A suggested method of approaching a UFO Site or Incident: Practical advice for UFO investigation groups.
• Various other short articles and reports on sightings and related topics.

Guest Editorial: "These also must I bring"

Authored by Leonard G. Cramp, Chairman of IWUFOIS and author of "Space, Gravity & The Flying Saucer," this editorial addresses the pervasive speculation, philosophizing, and confusion surrounding flying saucers. Cramp acknowledges the diverse interpretations, from hallucinations to extraterrestrial craft, and the difficulty in discerning truth. He posits that Earth is being visited by unknown extraterrestrial intelligences, but their origin and intentions remain largely unknown. Cramp suggests that disagreement and discussion are natural parts of growth and that government reluctance to discuss UFO findings might be a deliberate choice. He concludes that our approach to this phenomenon must be philosophical until it can be analyzed scientifically, and we can only speculate on the intentions of these "other sheep" from outer space.

Authentic New Mexico Landing

This article details a significant UFO sighting that occurred in Socorro, New Mexico, on Friday, April 24, 1964. City officer Lonnie Zamora was chasing a car when he heard what he thought was an explosion. Upon investigation, he saw what appeared to be an overturned car and two figures in white overalls. He then witnessed a brilliant white metal object, the size of a car, rise and hover about 20 feet off the ground before flying off to the west. Zamora described the machine as being supported by four spider-like legs and made of a shiny, aluminum-like substance. The brush was reportedly burnt by exhaust. Captain Richard T. Yolder of White Sands' Stallion Range called Zamora a "very reliable witness." Deputy Sheriff James Lukie noted it was "something out of the ordinary." State Police Captain Sam Chavez was told the UFO had red markings and an inverted V design, though the Air Force advised against discussing the markings. The following evening, two motorists in the Espanola area reported a similar object. Further sightings were reported by a teenager and a motorist in Albuquerque, and by George Mitropolis. Orlando Galegos of Santa Fe reported seeing a huge metal object resembling an egg-shaped tank from which flames spurted. Captain Martin Vigil investigated the La Madera sighting and found smouldering ground, split rocks, and burnt brush. An Espanola newspaper correspondent noted the object did not appear to use conventional thrust. "Paw prints" and landing gear marks were also found. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a special UFO consultant for the Air Force, arrived to investigate.

'Flying Saucers' Pay a Visit

This section reports on unidentified flying objects sighted over Helsby Hill on Saturday, October 24th, and Sunday, October 25th, 1964. Robert Britland, a British Railways Worker, described seeing a revolving light, a "big saucer shape with a dome on the top," hovering stationary for about three minutes before moving off in a South-Westerly direction. He estimated its altitude at about 600 feet. On Sunday evening, a wide beam of light appeared, followed by a red revolving light. Britland believed the object was feeding off the beam and estimated its altitude at 1000 feet. Michael and Mrs. Antrobus corroborated seeing a red revolving light and a beam across the sky, stating it was not a plane or helicopter and moved too fast for a balloon. A spokesman at Speke Airport reported no UFO sightings in their area. This report was originally published in a "UFOLOG" Information Sheet.

Radar and the UFO (No: 2)

This is the second part of a series by R.S. Squires explaining radar principles. It elaborates on factors influencing radar performance, expressing them mathematically through the radar range equation. Key factors include transmitter power, minimum receiver input power, aerial gain, effective aerial areas, wavelength, and the target's effective reflecting area (Ae). The article explains that radar range is proportional to the fourth root of transmitter power, meaning doubling the power only increases range by about 20%. To double the range, transmitter power must be increased 16 times. Decreasing the wavelength increases range due to a narrower beam. The concept of 'Ae' is defined, with examples for aircraft like the Meteor, Canberra, and Boeing 707. The article also discusses "Ground Effects," where ground reflections can interfere with radar signals, particularly for low-flying targets. The modified equation for ground reflections shows range is proportional to the eighth root of transmitter power. The article touches upon frequency bands (X-band and S-band) and their suitability for different radar applications, as well as pulse length and pulse repetition frequency (p.r.f.). It notes that the echo signal strength depends on average power, and a compromise is needed between p.r.f. and echo return time. Measurement of distance by radar relies on timing the pulse's travel to the target and back, using a cathode-ray tube and an accurate oscillator. Future articles are promised to cover techniques relevant to 'radar ufology'.

Late News: Washington, Tuesday 5th Jan, 1965

The U.S. Air Force was investigating a reported radar sighting of two unidentified flying objects travelling at 4,800 m.p.h. towards Patuxent Naval Air Station, Maryland, on December 29th. The objects executed a tight turn and disappeared. IWUFOIS is contacting the Commanding Officer of Patuxent for details.

The Titicaca Calender and Other Mysteries

This article, referencing a Belgian magazine, discusses unexplained phenomena. It mentions an electric accumulator discovered underground in 1960, estimated to be 4,500 years old, which still works. It also refers to parallel pipes of polished steel found in an Austrian coal mine dating back 30,000 years and curious steel nails found in limestone 80 million years old. Additionally, it describes a machine from the bottom of the sea, found by Greek fishermen and housed in the Athens Museum, which is a complex astronomical clock dating back to 3,500 B.C., showing months, hours, sun and star movements, and moon phases.

A Suggested Method of Approaching a U.F.O. Site or Incident

Written by T. Pattinson of IWUFOIS, this article provides practical advice for UFO investigation groups. It emphasizes the importance of being the first on a site to avoid contamination by sightseers. The recommended approach involves carrying a "prospectors' kit" with essentials like gum boots, thermos flasks, an attache case with a slate for notes and sketches, a measuring tape, rope, tins for specimens, plastic bags, a magnifying glass, and a magnetic compass. Specialist equipment suggested includes a Geiger counter and an audio amplifier with a microphone and metal detector. The final approach to the site should involve a small group, checking for radioactivity. At a distance of 25 yards, the group should form a circle, identifying anything noteworthy by marking it with colored sticks without disturbing the object or feature. The motto is "Observe much, tread little." The article stresses the importance of presenting findings in a scientific and logical fashion, anticipating potential government scrutiny.

Historical Sightings

'SPACELINK' invites any reader or U.F.O. group who have had experience of investigating an incident to write it up for publishing.

The "U.F.O's" of 1850's!

This section reprints two accounts from the 'Illustrated London News'. The first, from May 1854, describes a phenomenon observed near Blackheath: a comet-like object that diminished its tail, forming a bright circular blueish light, followed by another ball of the same hue, which lasted for about a minute before clouds obscured it. The second account, from August 21st, 1852, describes an "Extraordinary Meteor" seen near Yeovil, which appeared as a brilliant mass of light about 15 degrees in length, gradually fading and resolving into two or more distinct bodies that remained visible for about ten minutes. A third account, also from August 13th, 1852, from Holyhead, Anglesey, describes a vivid flash of lightning followed by a magnificent body of meteoric light, intensely blue, occupying a fourth part of the visible heavens, which flickered and became wavy before fading.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, the technical aspects of detection (particularly radar), historical accounts of anomalous aerial events, and the philosophical implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance, as articulated by Leonard G. Cramp, is one of open inquiry, acknowledging the prevalence of speculation while asserting the likelihood of extraterrestrial visitation. The journal promotes a scientific and logical approach to investigation, emphasizing detailed observation and data collection. There is a clear intent to present UFOs as a serious subject worthy of study, distinct from sensationalism, and to encourage rigorous investigation methods.

Title: Spacelink
Issue: Vol.2 No.1
Date: September 12, 1964 (with references to October 28, 1964)
Publisher: Spacelink
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Spacelink, a publication focused on space exploration and related phenomena, addresses potential challenges for astronauts, theoretical concepts in physics, and recent astronomical and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports.

Can Spacemen Live With Their Illusions?

The lead article, "CAN SPACEMEN LIVE WITH THEIR ILLUSIONS?", explores the sensory challenges astronauts might face in space. Unlike Earth, which has a dusty atmosphere that softens images and enhances depth perception, space lacks this buffer. This can lead to brilliant sunlit objects against a deep black cosmos, creating deceptive shifting perspectives. The article uses the Necker cube, a simple two-dimensional drawing that appears to reverse its orientation, as an example of a visual illusion.

Space psychologists are studying these illusions because shapes similar to the Necker cube might be used in the construction of manned orbital stations. These stations, likely three-dimensional structures, could present astronauts with a compounding problem of illusions, where shapes appear to change from cube to diamond or other forms depending on illumination and angle.

Dr. Gregory of Cambridge University, collaborating with the U.S. Air Force, conducted experiments using a small electric railway in a pitch-black room. Wire shapes coated with luminous paint were suspended, and subjects in the rail car experienced depth reversals and changing shapes as they moved around the glowing objects. Dr. Gregory anticipates that astronauts assembling space stations will experience similar illusions, adding difficulty to their tasks.

To overcome these illusions, it is suggested that releasing dust around space structures could create a hazy atmosphere, diffusing sunlight, softening shadows, and improving depth perception. The article also notes that visual unfamiliarity with the Moon could be hazardous for lunar landings.

Lunar Illusions and Landing

On Earth, we are accustomed to sunlight casting shadows, which helps us distinguish elevations from depressions. Dr. Gregory's model of the Moon demonstrates how oblique lighting can make the lunar surface appear pocked with craters or pimpled with mountains. When light strikes perpendicularly, simulating a full Moon with no shadows, the surface appears flat and featureless.

Because shadows can be mistaken for solid features, the article suggests that full Moon might be the best time for manned lunar landings, despite the inherent risks. It emphasizes the need for space travellers to learn to live with the sensory illusions they encounter.

Faster Than Light Communication

"FASTER THAN LIGHT" by Professor What? discusses the implications of interstellar distances for potential extra-solar system visitors. Assuming visitors can travel at or near the speed of light, they would still take a long time to reach Earth from nearby stars. This leads to the logical conclusion that such visitors, if intent on studying Earth, would establish a base laboratory in the solar system.

Communication between these visitors and their home planet is also considered. Radio communication is deemed impractical due to the vast distances. The article proposes that visitors must possess a communication system with a velocity faster than light. It introduces a theoretical system using an inelastic rod of arbitrary length between zero and infinity, capable of instantaneously transmitting information. This system, though impractical, serves to illustrate the concept.

A more practical approach is then suggested, utilizing gravity as the 'communicating rod'. The article posits that every piece of matter is 'aware' of the gravitational field of every other piece. By assuming gravity is an 'inelastic medium' and that visitors can disturb the gravity of matter, they could create a 'gravity-receiver' sensitive enough to detect these disturbances, thus enabling faster-than-light interstellar communication.

Astronomical News and Reports

A Cool Spot on the Sun: An analysis of photographs from a 1963 solar eclipse reveals a 'cool' spot in the Sun's corona, measuring only 20,000 degrees F, significantly lower than the usual three million degrees F. This discovery, made by scientists from Mount Wilson and Palomar Observatories and the Astrophysical Observatory in Italy, challenges long-held theories about the Sun's steady temperature output.

Jupiter Wobbles: Radio astronomers have observed intermittent bursts of radio signals from Jupiter. Two years prior, it was discovered that Jupiter's radiation belt caused an 18-degree wobble every ten hours. This led to the discovery that Jupiter itself wobbles, possibly due to its magnetic poles being off-centre.

Long-Delayed Echoes: The issue mentions a case of unexplained long-delayed echoes in a radio transmission investigation from about 30 years ago, speculating they might have been picked up by an exploring probe from another planet.

Planet May Have Contacted Earth: A physicist from Southampton University suggests that an unmanned space probe from another world might have already picked up Earth's radio signals and sent them back to its home planet, potentially carrying scientific information.

Other Reports and Features

Test for Survival in Desert: Fourteen American astronauts underwent a week-long survival test in the Nevada desert, practicing skills like using sparse vegetation, trapping wildlife, and signaling for rescue.

'Ball of Fire Seen in Sky': Police in Kent and Essex investigated reports of an unidentified object described as a "ball of fire" seen over North Kent. Reports varied on its color, with some describing it as white and others as orange.

'Bale-Out Illusion': Police searched an area near Biggin Hill aerodrome in Kent following a report of a man parachuting from an aircraft. A spokesman later suggested that fog might have created the illusion of a falling body.

Project Apollo Simulators: Simulators are being developed for Project Apollo, aiming for a lunar landing by 1970. These simulators test new engines and will eventually allow astronauts to become familiar with spacecraft operations and potential abnormalities.

Space Station Living Quarters: American scientists are building capsules to simulate living quarters for a four-man space station. These capsules will spin continuously on a rotating arm to provide artificial gravity, allowing astronauts to experience simulated spacecraft conditions.

Editorial and Announcements

"Spacelink" Featured in Polish Newspaper: The publication "Spacelink" was recently featured in "THE POLISH DAILY" in London. Antoni W. Szachnowski, chairman of the Anglo-Polish UFO Research Club, is mentioned for his contributions.

International Contacts: Spacelink is expanding its international reach with contacts in the Japanese U.F.O. Organisation and other contacts in the U.S.A., Sweden, Germany, and Holland.

Apology for Delay: The Editor apologizes for the delay in publication, citing lack of time as the primary reason for the issue being a "one-man affair." The publication schedule will now be quarterly (4 issues per year), and the current issue is regarded as Vol.2 No.1. Subscription remains at 2/- per copy.

Contributions: Contributions are accepted for publication, with a preference for typing to 60 characters wide.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Spacelink include the psychological and physiological challenges of space travel, particularly visual illusions and the need for artificial gravity. The magazine also explores theoretical physics concepts, such as faster-than-light communication, and reports on current astronomical discoveries and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into space exploration, theoretical possibilities, and unexplained aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging the practicalities and scientific studies involved.