Spacelink 1966 vol 3 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE link
Issue: Volume 3, No. 2
Date: Summer 1966
Publisher: Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SPACE link, the journal of the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society, presents a collection of articles and reports focusing on UFO phenomena, investigations, and related philosophical considerations. The publication emphasizes a non-sectarian, non-political, and non-profit approach to UFO research.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Charles Bowen, the editor of "Flying Saucer Review," reflects on the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society's annual dinner. Bowen highlights the increasing significance of landing reports in current UFO 'flaps' and contrasts them with numerous 'lights in the sky' reports. He criticizes 'cultist' groups that harm serious investigation, advocating for facts over speculation. The editorial also touches upon media coverage of UFOs, citing an article in "The Economist" that gave space to the topic, and contrasts it with a refreshing T.V. interview with John Hodge, a Gemini spaceflight director, who expressed a thoughtful perspective on the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The editorial speculates on the potential for astronauts to encounter extraterrestrial craft or beings during future Moon missions and suggests that NASA would have access to relevant UFO data.

Key Articles and Reports

One-eyed Spaceman?

This section details a report from SEEDV (Brazil) concerning a sighting in Belo Horizonte. The incident, which occurred around July or August 1963, involved three boys who witnessed a spherical object hovering above trees. A figure described as a 'spaceman' descended from the object. The being was estimated to be two meters tall, dressed in a brown leathery suit, with a single dark brown eye, no visible nose or ears, and strange teeth. It wore gloves, high boots with triangular cramps that left impressions, and a copper-coloured box on its back. The spaceman appeared to interact with the boys, even saving one from falling into a cistern. The report notes the long delay in disclosure and the potential influence of the area's religious background on interpretations. The physical effects of such encounters are deemed important for research.

Muscular Rigidity in Flying Saucer Contacts

Authored by Dr. A. Sankott, a medical practitioner from Rio de Janeiro, this article discusses the phenomenon of muscular rigidity or trembling experienced by individuals confronted with flying saucers or their occupants. Dr. Sankott explains that normal muscular tone is controlled by the central nervous system and that disruption of any of its five components can lead to malfunction. He suggests that a specific physiological stimulus, possibly a ray, could cause such immobilisation without permanent injury.

Are Some Flying Saucers Earth-Owned?

This article explores the possibility that some observed UFOs might be experimental Earth-based craft rather than extraterrestrial. It references recent New Mexico sightings that occurred within a specific week and geographical area, suggesting a possible flight pattern for a craft with limited capabilities that needed to stay near a base. Holloman Air Force Base is mentioned as a potential base, and a report about an egg-shaped object under guard at Holloman is noted, though denied by the Air Force. Dr. Lincoln LaPaz is quoted suggesting the craft might be a modern VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) craft, possibly using an ion-drive.

The article then discusses a landing incident behind the Iron Curtain in July 1953. Villages near the Polish-German border reported sightings of saucer-like objects. Initially investigated by police and military, the official attitude shifted, with reports being suppressed. The incident at WOLIN involved a circular machine landing, described as having a spherical metal centre and a flat circle with exhaust pipes, similar to jet engines. The article also mentions a report from the "Auckland Star" in 1954 about evidence of Russians building flying saucers, with factories in the Kazakh province and the development of a machine capable of vertical, high-velocity take-off powered by lenticular jets. It is suggested that Germans had three flying discs at the end of World War II, two destroyed, and one falling into Russian hands, leading to the development of their own discs. German scientists who fled to the West reportedly assisted in developing VTOL projects in Canada and the USA.

A Time for Questions

Freda Richards offers a feminine and humanist perspective, admitting to being bewildered by technicalities but intrigued by the origin and nature of UFO occupants. She references a talk by Rev. Derek Stirman on 'Religion in the Space Age,' which raised questions about the concept of Judgement Day in the context of potential space colonization and the possibility of time travellers. Richards ponders the implications for Christianity and the Universal Concept, considering whether advanced life forms might have colonized Earth or if humanity is being infiltrated. She questions whether we are travellers in space ourselves, with control over our destiny, and whether visitors are deliberately holding back or are as curious as we are.

Cappoquin Report

This report details a recent sighting in Ireland supported by photographic evidence. Miss Jacqueline Wingfield and Miss Mortensen observed a solid-looking rounded object flying silently from right to left, emitting a flame-like brightness. The photograph, processed by top photographer Mr. Percy Hennell, showed a bright disc-shaped object with a pronounced granular effect in its efflux, which Hennell stated was inherent in the image and not photographic artifact. The report notes that while the evidence is strong, the incident lacked dramatic elements or oscillatory characteristics, and there was no evidence of intelligent control or electromagnetic effects. Mr. Charles Gibbs Smith is quoted stating that the object was interplanetary.

Other Mentions

• Thousands see mystery object: A brief mention of a sighting.
• Relativity - Some Popular Misconceptions. Part 2: A continuation of an article by M. Lloyd.
• Mysterious "Hum" in Buckinghamshire: An article by Mary Weare.
• Automatic radio telescope: Construction of an amateur radio telescope near Wells, Somerset, for a 15-year program of investigation into remote radio sources.
• UFO reports and Neolithic sites: Research being compiled by Mrs. N. Spanner.
• "Radar & the U.F.O.": A forthcoming feature.
• UFOLOG: A monthly summary of UFO reports available for subscription.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, distinguishing between factual reports and speculation, and exploring the potential origins of UFOs, whether extraterrestrial or terrestrial. The editorial stance, as expressed by F.W.S., is one of open-minded yet critical inquiry, emphasizing the importance of gathering and analyzing evidence. There is a clear desire to move beyond sensationalism and to contribute to a growing body of knowledge about UFOs, even as the subject remains controversial. The publication also engages with the broader implications of UFOs for human understanding of the universe, religion, and our place within it.

Title: Spacelink
Issue: No. 2
Volume: 1
Date: March 1966
Publisher: The Flying Saucer Review
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Spacelink features several articles and correspondence related to UFO sightings, scientific theories, and unexplained phenomena.

The Cappoquin Sighting and Atmospheric Phenomena

The issue begins by addressing the Cappoquin UFO sighting, presenting an explanation that it may be a natural atmospheric phenomenon. The correspondent, T. George Eneleus, suggests that the observed effects are caused by sunlight passing through ice crystals in the atmosphere, leading to phenomena known as 'sun dogs' or 'perhelia'. These appear as horizontal bands of light and are sometimes seen in winter, even in clear skies. The article notes that the movement, short lifetime, and shape of the phenomenon are consistent with an ice cloud passing through the critical position for parhelion formation. While acknowledging the photographic evidence brought home by witnesses, the article questions why such phenomena are not as well-documented as, for instance, the Aurora Borealis, suggesting that parhelia are theoretically possible in many parts of the world.

Relativity Theory and Common Misconceptions

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to exploring Relativity Theory, particularly addressing common misconceptions. M. Lloyd, in a two-part article, clarifies aspects of Special and General Relativity. He explains that General Relativity attempts to extend Special Relativity to non-uniformly moving co-ordinate systems and provides an explanation for gravity not as a force, but as a distortion of the space-time continuum caused by the presence of matter. The article tackles the famous 'twin paradox' or 'spaceship paradox', where a travelling clock ages less than a stationary one. Lloyd resolves this by explaining that the journey reversal involves a strong gravitational field at the point of reversal, thus distorting the metrical field and causing the spaceship's clock to be slower upon return, a resolution that brings in the principles of General Relativity.

Further correspondence and editorial notes discuss the speed of light. Jimmy Goddard questions the concept of a limiting speed of light, citing the existence of high-speed cameras that appear to capture events too quickly for light to travel. M. Lloyd responds by clarifying that while light has a finite speed, the mechanical or electronic processes in cameras are not faster than light. He also touches upon the increase in mass as an object approaches the speed of light, noting that even at 99% of light speed, the mass increase is significant, and that galaxies travelling at light speed would be unobservable.

Mysterious 'Hum' in Buckinghamshire

Mary Weare, Scientific Correspondent for Bucks, reports on a mysterious 'Hum' phenomenon heard in the Chalfont St. Giles and Chalfont St. Peter areas of Buckinghamshire for approximately 13 years, with detailed logging since 1953. The noise, designated 'Charlie', is described as intense, two-toned, and pitched between 14 and 20 kilocycles, sometimes becoming unbearable. It is intermittent and seems to pervade the air, emanating strongly from the earth. The phenomenon affects residents, causing sleep disturbances and physical distress, as exemplified by Mrs. Breakespeare. Investigations by utility boards (electricity, water, gas) have ruled out their equipment as the source. The noise also appears to affect wildlife, with reports of mice vanishing and birds dying. Weare theorizes that the 'Hum' is not man-made but is a consequence of human actions, possibly a chain reaction set up by human folly. The phenomenon is reported to be spreading and increasing in loudness, affecting numerous areas across the country.

Fiery Object Sighting

An article briefly reports on a sighting of a 'fiery object' over the U.S. Eastern Seaboard on April 25th. The object, described as having a green and yellow tail and being exceptionally bright, caused a surge of public inquiries. Experts initially suggested it might be a meteor.

Bibliography and Acknowledgements

The issue includes a bibliography listing "On Understanding Physics" by W. H. Watson and "The Philosophy of Space and Time" by Hans Reichenbach. Acknowledgements are also made to Harper Torchbook Edition and Dover Publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena and their potential connections to scientific theories, particularly Relativity. There is an emphasis on presenting evidence and reasoned arguments, while cautioning against rash assertions and misinterpretations of scientific laws. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs and related mysteries, balanced with a respect for established scientific principles, while acknowledging their limitations and the possibility of future revisions or new theories. The reporting on the 'Hum' phenomenon highlights a commitment to investigating local mysteries with a degree of seriousness, despite potential sensationalism in the popular press.