Spacelink 1966 vol 3 no 4

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACELINK
Issue: Volume 3, No. 4
Date: Winter 1966
Publisher: Isle of Wight U.F.O. Investigation Society

This issue of SPACELINK, the journal of the Isle of Wight U.F.O. Investigation Society, presents a diverse collection of articles and reports related to unidentified flying objects and related phenomena. The publication aims to provide an unbiassed investigation into UFOs, with the views expressed not necessarily reflecting those of the society or the editor.

Contents and Articles

Editorial

The editorial apologizes for the belated appearance of the issue, explaining that the work is done by a dedicated few in their spare time. It announces that the editor's job will be taken over by David Downer for the 1967 issues. The editorial also touches upon the burgeoning era of UFO research, mentioning the Colorado Investigation led by Dr. Condon, which has been granted a free hand to gather information. It notes that the Cambridge University Group has already submitted the Ronald Wildman case to this investigation. The editorial also addresses a controversy within BUFORA, where the Cambridge Group chairman, Mr. J.M. Crabtree, criticized the Isle of Wight Society's president, Mr. Leonard Cramp, for his 'unscientific approaches'. The editorial defends Mr. Cramp, suggesting Crabtree needs more tolerance and acknowledging Cramp's significant contributions to UFO thinking.

The Lost Continent by G. Marsh

This article reviews the concept of Atlantis, distinguishing between the romantic legend and the historical and archaeological evidence. It suggests that Plato's Atlantis might have been partly inspired by the ancient city of Tartessos in Spain, which flourished as a trading center and disappeared around 500 BC. The article also touches upon theories linking Atlantis to modern UFOs, suggesting that an advanced Atlantean civilization might have possessed space flight capabilities.

Editor talks to Island Rotary Clubs

The editor shares a positive experience giving talks to local Rotary Clubs, noting the surprising level of interest in the UFO question from the business community, indicating a significant shift in perception since the society's founding in 1962.

Radar and the U.F.O. No. 4 by R.S. Squires

This technical article explores the capabilities of radar in detecting extraterrestrial objects. It explains how radar can be used to study celestial bodies like the moon and discusses its potential for detecting meteors, which leave ionised trails. The author suggests that understanding the 'radar behaviour' of meteors can help in identifying what UFOs are *not*, leaving the question of what they *are* for future investigation.

Sir Bernard Lovell "Speaks"

This section reports on Sir Bernard Lovell's dismissive comments regarding UFOs, where he suggested they were merely meteors burning up in the atmosphere and that any suggestion of extraterrestrial visitors was nonsense. The editorial comment strongly disagrees with Lovell's categorical statements, comparing his view to a past remark dismissing space travel as 'utter bilge'.

Leys and Orthoteny on the Isle of Wight by J. Goddard

This article investigates the concept of 'leys' (alignments of ancient sites) and 'orthoteny' (alignments of UFO sightings) on the Isle of Wight. It details how these alignments, particularly those converging on a point in the English Channel, might be significant. The author describes specific ley points on the island, including churches and tumuli, and suggests Ventnor as a prime location for skywatching.

Book Review "Piece for a Jigsaw"

This review praises Leonard Cramp's book 'Piece for a Jigsaw' as a concentrated effort in UFO research. The book is described as lavishly illustrated, taking readers on a journey into the future while grounding itself in aeronautical progress and the limits of technology. It delves into the hypothesis of spacecraft propulsion by forcefields, linking it to documented UFO incidents. The review commends Cramp for facing facts about UFOs and offering clues to discerning readers.

The 1966 B.U.F.O.R.A. Congress Cambridge

This report summarizes the proceedings of the BUFORA Congress, focusing on two key talks. Mr. S.A. Miller discussed 'Historical UFO Evidence', citing incidents before 1947 and noting discrepancies in various authors' accounts. Anthony Durhan, secretary of the Cambridge Group, outlined the challenges and opportunities for amateur UFO organizations, emphasizing the need for systematic data collection and analysis.

The Colorado Investigation

This section reiterates the importance of the Colorado Investigation, with Dr. Condon's team seeking information from all reputable sources. It highlights the U.S. Air Force's previous lack of deep investigation into UFOs due to defense-oriented priorities.

A Costly Deception

This article is mentioned in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Saucer Murder Mystery in Brazil

This article is mentioned in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Astronaut Tragedy

This article is mentioned in the contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Antoni Szachnowski visits I.W.U.F.O.I.S.

This event is listed in the contents, indicating a visit by an individual to the society.

Antarctic Sighting disclosed in London

This event is listed in the contents, suggesting a disclosure of an Antarctic UFO sighting.

I.W.U.F.O.I.S. Programme & Notes

These sections, listed in the contents, likely detail the society's planned activities and recent updates.

Society Open Day

This event is listed in the contents, indicating a public event hosted by the society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the historical context of sightings, and the potential for amateur organizations to contribute to research. There is a clear stance in defense of Mr. Leonard Cramp and the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society against criticism from other groups, emphasizing the importance of open-minded yet rigorous investigation. The magazine also highlights the growing public interest in UFOs and the need for serious, unbiassed study.

This issue of the "U.F.O. Worldwide Newsletter", dated November 1966, focuses heavily on the newly established scientific investigation into UFO phenomena by the University of Colorado, headed by physicist Dr. Edward U. Condon. The newsletter also reports on several intriguing and mysterious incidents from around the world, including a strange death in Brazil, an Antarctic sighting, and a peculiar case in Poland.

The Colorado Investigation

The lead article, "THE COLORADO INVESTIGATION", details the commencement of a scientific UFO investigation project arranged by the Air Force at Colorado University. Headed by Dr. Edward U. Condon, a noted physicist and former Director of the Bureau of Standards, the project aims to work out investigative methods and select UFO evidence from authoritative sources, including NICAP. The article emphasizes that if the project is conducted as an independent probe, it could be the most significant development since the first official UFO reports in World War II. Dr. Condon is reportedly given a free hand to investigate and to make findings public, even if they contradict Air Force views. The project is funded by a $300,000 research agreement with the Air Force, with potential for more funding. The National Academy of Science has agreed to review Dr. Condon's report prior to publication. The project is a direct outgrowth of Congressional and Air Force reviews following the August/September 1965 wave of UFO sightings. The Colorado project will operate for 15 months and will not deal directly with the public.

Key personnel involved in the Colorado project are listed, including Dr. Franklin Rooor (astrophysicist), Dr. Stuart W. Cook (psychologist), Robert J. Low (UFO Project Co-ordinator), William A Scott (social psychologist), and David R. Saunders (psychology professor).

A Costly Deception

Clare Branch offers a critical perspective on the USAF's allocation of $300,000 for UFO investigations, viewing it as a continuation of past, potentially biased, studies like "Project Grudge" and "Project Blue Book". The author expresses doubt that this new effort will yield significantly different results or that classified files will be made available. The article suggests that the selection of "selected UFO incidents" might pre-emptively filter cases, and that the term "independent university scientists" could refer to individuals chosen for their ability to provide ambiguous answers or for their adherence to established scientific paradigms. The author believes that true answers will ultimately come from those without motives for concealment, while officialdom will resist the findings.

The article also touches upon the public's perception of UFOs, noting that independent statements from credible individuals have often been met with condescension or disbelief. It warns against allowing speculation to merge with fact and urges a fresh, open-minded approach to observation.

Saucer Murder Mystery in Brazil

A sensational case from South America reports the deaths of two electronics technicians, Miguel Jose Viena and Manual Pereira da Cruz, found on an inaccessible hillside near Rio de Janeiro. This occurred shortly after a local woman reported seeing a luminous object in the vicinity. Police found the bodies with lead masks over their faces. An autopsy failed to determine the cause of death, and robbery was ruled out as a motive as they still had money on them. The bodies were decomposed, and the investigation was baffled. The technicians had left home with $2,200 to buy electrical equipment. Three electrical charts with readable but nonsensical messages were also found, including one that stated: "At 4.30p.m. we are in the determined place. At 6.30 we will take the capsules with orange. After the effect, protect half the face with lead masks, wait for agreed signal."

Astronaut Tragedy

This short piece by F.W.S. reflects on the deaths of three American astronauts in their Apollo spacecraft during a ground test at Cape Kennedy. It highlights the inherent risks of space flight and the complexity of spacecraft technology, suggesting that a "better way" might exist for space travel. The author notes the irony that the accident, though tragic, did not have the same public impact as if it had occurred in space.

Antoni Szachnowski Visits I.W.U.F.O.I.S.

Antoni Szachnowski, from the Anglo-Polish U.F.O. Research Club, was a guest speaker at the Isle of Wight U.F.O. Investigation Society. He recounted a remarkable incident from Gydinia, Poland, where an object fell into the harbor. Later, a man was found wandering the seafront in a confused state, wearing a unique suit and with unusual physical characteristics. The hospital was sealed off, and the man's body was sent to Moscow. Mr. Szachnowski is also proposing an International U.F.O. petition to the United Nations and suggests setting up a global network of UFO observers under UNESCO supervision.

Antarctic: Sighting Disclosed in London

A scientist at a British station near Halley Bay, Antarctica, officially reported a UFO on November 20, 1965. This disclosure, reported by Dr. Anthony Michaelis in the London Daily Telegraph, detailed how geologists J. Ross and B. Porter observed a bright circular object in a cloudless sky. The object moved at high speed in a westerly direction. The article also mentions that the Royal Air Force investigated 56 cases in 1965, with 14 remaining unexplained, and that RAF figures for unexplained cases were significantly higher than those released by the U.S. Air Force.

Transmission Grating for UFO Study

A small, low-cost transmission grating is available for determining if UFOs are balls of ionized air, as suggested by a new theory. If an object viewed through the grating shows an intense red line instead of a full color spectrum, it indicates plasma. Instructions and the grating can be obtained for one dollar.

I.W.U.F.O.I.S. Notes

The January meeting of the Isle of Wight U.F.O. Investigation Society featured Anthony Chirham of the Cambridge University UFO Group, who conducted demonstrations on observation and the nature of "phosphorescent rings" seen at sea, possibly caused by marine organisms.

Society Open Day

The Society is planning an ambitious demonstration on February 18th at the Unitarian Hall, Newport. It will include mirror-grinding demonstrations, UFO photographs, models, a book stall, film slides, and tape recordings. The press and TV are invited.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently highlights the need for rigorous, independent scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, often expressing skepticism towards official explanations and government secrecy. There is a recurring theme of questioning established narratives and encouraging open-minded inquiry. The publication aims to inform the public about UFO reports and research, often presenting cases that defy conventional explanation. The editorial stance appears to favor a proactive and investigative approach to understanding UFOs, advocating for transparency and global cooperation in research.