Spacelink 1965 vol 2 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Spacelink
Issue: Volume 2, No. 2
Date: Summer 1965
Publisher: The Journal of the Isle of Wight Unidentified Flying Object Investigation Society (IWUFOIS)
Type: Journal focused on UFO investigation.

Editorial

The editorial highlights the rapid advancements in space technology following recent Russian and American space flights. It also touches upon the power of mass media in shaping public perception and the 'man-in-the-street' reaction to significant news, using the example of a reported super-civilisation contacting Earth. The editorial expresses concern about the extension of power struggles into space and emphasizes the importance of UFO reports, suggesting that the evidence for UFOs is constantly presenting itself, and that the press will eventually have to cover the story more thoroughly. It notes that 'Spacelink' has reached various countries and looks forward to exchanges of publications and information.

Key Articles and Features

Three Huge U.F.O.s Pace U.S. Airliner This article details an encounter reported by an American flying officer on active duty in the Far East. Three enormous flying discs, estimated to be about 1,000 feet in diameter, paced a U.S. airliner for approximately 30 minutes between Alaska and Japan. The objects were observed on radar as three 'targets' and visually as gigantic, glowing red objects. After their observation, the UFOs climbed out at an angle at an estimated speed of 1200 knots (approximately 1380 m.p.h.). The report also mentions a similar incident where a Far East Air Force pilot picked up a large UFO on radar, which interfered with his radar and escaped at approximately 2,000 m.p.h. A Navy case involving a Super Constellation transport over the Atlantic is also briefly mentioned.

Why I Belong - Freda Richards Freda Richards reflects on her involvement with a UFO investigation group, which is now in its third year. She describes how her husband's interest in flying saucers led her to become involved, initially with refreshments for meetings. She discusses the group's progress, the frustration and evidence encountered, and the skepticism they often face. Richards notes that public skepticism has slightly decreased since humans began venturing into space. She acknowledges the challenges of running such a society, including managing finances and distribution, but finds fulfillment when exciting evidence emerges or public interest is piqued. She expresses a personal commitment to the subject, despite the difficulties, and believes that humanity, like ants or bees, might be observed by a higher intelligence, urging for a dignified approach to our place in the universe.

More on the Socorro Landing This section follows up on the Socorro landing incident, quoting Carol Lorenzen, Director of APRO. It corrects inaccuracies in press reports regarding the 'lettering' on the craft, stating it was not an inverted V but a functional part. The article mentions that Zamora was cautioned about revealing details to the press. It notes that the Air Force concluded the object was not caused by meteorological activity or a hoax, and was unlikely to be extraterrestrial, yet no solution was found. The article also references a similar sighting by a B-57 pilot near Holloman Air Force Base and reports of other similar incidents. It mentions NICAP's 'UFO Investigator' containing a detailed account, including Ray Stanford finding metal scrapings at the site. The article disputes the Air Force's assertion that subsequent sightings in New Mexico were determined to be natural or hoaxes.

Southern Region UFO Groups Conference, Oxford This is a brief mention of a conference held on May 8th, 1965, in Oxford.

Radar and the UFO (No.3) - R.S. Squires This article discusses the phenomenon known as 'Angels' to radar operators and its possible relationship to 'Flying Saucers'. In the early days of radar, unexplained echoes were referred to as 'ghosts', 'phantoms', 'pixies', 'radar flying saucers', and 'angels'. The article explains that while many spurious echoes are now recognized as natural phenomena, some still defy explanation. It details how bird flocks and concentrations of insects can create strong radar echoes that can clutter the display and be misinterpreted. The article also touches upon 'anomalous propagation', where radar signals can be reflected by the ground or sea, creating 'second-trace' echoes that can mimic moving targets with high velocity, potentially being interpreted as UFOs.

The Solar System. No.3 - Venus. J. Feakins This appears to be the third part of a series discussing the solar system, focusing on Venus.

The Menacing Noise that can Kill a Bird This is a brief mention of an article title, suggesting a topic related to unusual sounds.

Late News from Warminster This indicates a news update from Warminster.

Letter from N.I.C.A.P. This refers to a letter received from NICAP.

UFOLOG Information Sheet Extract An extract from an information sheet related to ufology.

New Book on U.F.Os A mention of a new book concerning UFOs.

New Documentary Film A mention of a new documentary film.

Characteristics of Artificial Earth Satellites in Relation to UFOs - J.D. Llewellyn This paper, presented at the British UFO Groups Southern Region Convention, aims to help researchers distinguish between Artificial Earth Satellites (AES) and UFOs. It notes that by the end of 1964, approximately 165 long-term satellites were in orbit. The paper outlines the characteristics of AES, including their appearance as moving star-like objects, their brightness (comparable to Venus and Jupiter), their transit times, and how they can appear to have a halo if observed through cloud. It describes optical properties such as polished spheres, flat mirrors, and polished cylinders, and how complex forms can fade due to attitude. The paper suggests that unusual colors or extreme deviations in speed or behavior are key indicators of unidentified orbital objects (UOOs).

Unidentified Satellites This section presents data from the Department of Scientific & Space Research regarding unidentified objects observed in orbit. It lists the number of unidentified transits from April-June 1962, July-September 1962, January 1965, and February 1965. It also mentions two mystery satellites detected by Clyde Tombaugh in 1953 and reports from February 11th, 1960, about an unknown orbital object detected by radar. It references an object photographed by Grumman and sightings in the Stratford-on-Avon area.

References This section lists several publications and bulletins related to UFOs and satellites, including BIS Satellite News Bulletins, articles from FSR (Flying Saucer Review), and mentions of reports by Major Donald Keyhoe and the Gemini flights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Spacelink include UFO sightings, radar anomalies ('angels'), the distinction between artificial satellites and UFOs, and the ongoing efforts of UFO investigation societies. The editorial stance is one of advocating for open investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, while also expressing a critical view of the militarization of space and the potential for misinterpretation of evidence by mass media. There is a clear emphasis on the need for careful analysis and a distinction between known phenomena and genuine mysteries. The journal positions itself as a platform for disseminating information and fostering discussion among UFO enthusiasts and researchers.

Title: SPACELINK
Issue: No. 6
Volume: 1
Date: June 1965
Publisher: I.W.U.F.O.I.S.
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of SPACELINK, a publication by the I.W.U.F.O.I.S. (presumably an organization related to UFO investigations), focuses on scientific explanations for radar phenomena, updates on space exploration, and reports of unexplained occurrences.

Radar Phenomena and UFOs

The issue begins by addressing phenomena frequently assessed as "radar-UFOs." Two diagrams illustrate how radar systems can produce misleading signals. Figure 1 explains how a "ghost echo" arises on a Plan Position Indicator (P.P.I.) display. The transmitter fires, and the timebase travels along the display's limit before reversing. If transmitted energy from a previous pulse returns when the timebase is reversing, it can create a signal that doesn't correspond to a real target. Figure 2 explains discrepancies between indicated and true radar range. It notes that radar measures slant range (Tx-T) rather than ground range (r). When the angle is large, the echo appears at a different ground range than the actual target, potentially causing aircraft to appear in the wrong location on the display. The article suggests this is not alarming for typical aircraft but could be an issue for inter-continental missiles if height information is not provided. An "Exercise for Ufologists" is posed, asking readers to calculate apparent speed changes from such phenomena. The article concludes by stating that a later piece will discuss UFO reports that defy current radar technology explanations.

The Planet Venus: A Scientific Update

Pages 20-23 are dedicated to "The Solar System – No.3: The Planet Venus" by J. Feakins of I.W.U.F.O.I.S. Venus is described as the brightest object in the night sky, visible even in daylight and capable of casting shadows. Its maximum brightness, occurring every eight years, reaches a magnitude of -4.4. While similar in size to Earth (diameter 7700 miles vs. Earth's 7900 miles) and with a mass approximately 81% of Earth's, the likeness ends there, as Venus has no satellite. It is known as a morning star (Phosphorus) and an evening star (Hesperus), and to the ancient Chinese as "Tai-pe."

Venus exhibits phases similar to the Moon. Its atmosphere is primarily carbon dioxide, covered by dense clouds that have prevented direct observation of its surface. Transitory markings are attributed to cloud formations, making it difficult to determine its rotation period, with estimates ranging from 20 hours to several months.

Recent radio observations suggest a Venusian day of many months. The Mariner II spacecraft, launched on August 27, 1962, transmitted data indicating Venus has little or no magnetic field and a surface temperature of around 800°F on both sides. This contradicts earlier Earth-based radio observations that suggested a surface temperature of 600°F. The article notes that life as we know it could not exist under such conditions. Venus has a higher orbital velocity than Earth, averaging 22 miles per second compared to Earth's 102 miles per second, and completes an orbit in just over 224 days. Its mean distance from the sun is 67 million miles, compared to Earth's 93 million miles.

An editor's note introduces a contradictory report by Dr. John Strong of the Johns Hopkins Astrophysics Laboratory. Based on an unmanned balloon flight on October 27th, Dr. Strong's evidence suggests Venus's clouds are composed of ice particles, and the surface temperature is around minus 40°F, a stark contrast to the 800°F indicated by previous measurements. Space Technology Laboratories reported the atmosphere to be 4% carbon dioxide and 95% nitrogen, suggesting a "red hot" surface that is yellow-or orange-green. Dr. Strong's findings of water vapor suggest the possibility of oxygen and, therefore, life on Venus.

The Menacing Noise That Can Kill a Bird

This section details reports of a mysterious "weird noise" or "menacing vibration" that is claimed to kill birds in mid-flight. A woman in Warminster described a crackling sound that increased in volume as it neared her, causing her to seek shelter. Similar accounts came from Warminster's postmaster. Geologist David C. Holton claims this phenomenon can endanger human and animal life, citing instances of injuries and the killing of birds and pigeons. Holton asserts the phenomenon is not connected to electricity, water mains, vehicles, or the supernatural, and suggests its implications could be significant.

Further accounts describe similar sounds. A witness in Five Ash-lane heard a persistent hum that increased in intensity, disturbing pigeons, some of which fell lifeless to the ground, exhibiting instantaneous rigor mortis. A group of naturalists and antiquarians have been researching these occurrences for about five years, collecting historical records and modern accounts, though people are reluctant to come forward due to fear of ridicule. A cyclist on the Yorkshire Moors in August 1961 experienced a sound and impact that led to a fractured femur and his death.

In Gloucestershire, a clergyman and a builder heard a sound like a swarm of bees or stones being dumped, accompanied by a struggle from two elderly ladies in the cemetery below, who later complained of muscular stiffness and headaches. Both the vicar and builder experienced difficulty walking after descending the tower. Mr. Holton states that theories have been formulated but require justification, hinting at the phenomenon's potentially large implications.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Late News from Warminster: On June 5th, 1965, the "Daily Mirror" reported a "flying saucer" sighting in Warminster. Scores of people saw a cigar-shaped, fiery object hovering over the town for about 30 minutes.

• Extract from Latest 'UFOLOG' Information Sheet: This section details two UFO sightings from the USA:
• January 4th, 1965: Dr. R. S. Woodruff and a state trooper saw three UFOs between 4:30 and 5 p.m. on Ver. 100 between Bethel and Randolph. The first object was orange-red, the size of a football, and appeared at tree-top level. It left, and two more appeared.
• February 18th, 1965: Red and white pellets (plastic) fell from the sky for two days in Western Bloomsburg, Pa.

Letter from Richard Hall (Acting Director, National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena): Richard Hall thanks the editor for SPACELINK and the 'U.F.O. Investigator', expressing pleasure that the publication sticks to the subject matter. He offers to exchange copies.

Witness Report: A witness, when asked about possible explanations for an object, listed UFO, balloon, or satellite. Other possibilities included a luminous kite towed by a moped, or a secret radar weapon. A more unusual suggestion was a seagull that had fallen into luminous paint, with the fading out explained by the bird flying into wet weather. The witness ruled out a luminous pigeon due to the likelihood of residue.

New Books and Films

New Book on UFOs: "Anatomy of a Phenomenon" by Jacques Vallee is announced for publication on June 15, 1965, by Henry Regenry Co. for $4.95. Vallee, an astronomer and consultant for NASA's Mars Map Project, analyzes documented UFO evidence from history in clear language. The book draws on Air Force files and discusses reactions from various groups, including the military, enthusiasts, scientists, and hoaxers. A review is promised for the next issue.

New Documentary Film: An 80-minute documentary titled "Phenomena-Seven Point Seven" was nearing release. Prepared by Empire Film Studios, Hollywood, the title refers to the 7.7% of an estimated 8000 sightings classified as UFOs by the Air Force (close to the AF's admission of 7.44% in 663 unknowns out of 8908 cases). The film includes sequences of the Socorro case.

Editorial Note

Frederick W. Smith, Editor, notes the wealth of material received, making it impossible to include everything. He reminds readers that UFOs make the news and encourages submissions of reports, articles, or stories related to UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a stance that seeks rational, scientific explanations for phenomena often attributed to UFOs, while also acknowledging and documenting unexplained cases. There's a clear effort to differentiate between scientifically explainable events (like radar anomalies) and genuinely puzzling occurrences. The editorial team encourages reader participation and the submission of credible reports. The publication appears to be a serious effort to investigate aerial phenomena, with a focus on evidence and analysis, as seen in the detailed coverage of Venus exploration and the investigation into the "menacing noise."