Spacelink 1967 vol 4 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE link
Issue: Volume 4, No. 1
Date: Spring 1967
Publisher: Isle of Wight U.F.O. Investigation Society
Editor: D. Downer

This issue of SPACE link, the journal of the Isle of Wight U.F.O. Investigation Society, marks the beginning of a new year and expresses optimism that the subject of UFO investigation may finally gain respectability within the scientific community. The editorial highlights the long-standing antagonism from scientific circles and the hope that years of petitions and reports might be leading to a recognition of the reality of these phenomena.

Editorial Stance and New Editor

David Downer takes over as editor for a year, giving the previous editor, Fred Smith, a well-earned rest. Downer acknowledges the difficulty of producing a journal single-handedly and expresses a desire to create an interesting and balanced magazine, while also seeking original material. He notes that even a seemingly small journal requires a significant amount of content.

The editorial also touches upon the potential for governments to release more facts about UFO visitations, now that public awareness has been raised by UFO groups. It suggests that a shift in attitude might lead to cooperation between government departments and UFO groups to solve the 'riddle' of UFOs.

Contents Overview

The issue features a diverse range of articles, including:

• Editorial: Discussing the growing respectability of UFO investigation.
• Plasma and its Behaviour as an explanation of UFO: Exploring scientific concepts like plasma, superconductors, and plasmoids as potential explanations for UFO phenomena.
• Is Life Evolving on Jupiter?: Examining Dr. Robert Jastrow's suggestion that Jupiter's atmosphere might support chemical evolution towards life.
• Space Ship over Rio Turbio: Reporting on a sighting of a stationary, luminous object.
• Does Anti-matter Fall Upwards?: Discussing experiments at Stanford University to measure the gravitational pull of an electron.
• The Farmer & the Saucer in Western Australia: A detailed account of a farmer's encounter with a UFO.
• Flying Saucers - Top Scientists seem Convinced: Highlighting the increasing interest and potential investigation by NASA, led by Dr. J. Allen Hynek.
• Riddle of the Discs From Outer Space: Investigating ancient stone discs found in the Bayan-Kara-Ula mountains, with speculation about their extraterrestrial origin.
• Society's 'Look Into Space' Exhibition: A report on a successful exhibition held by the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society.
• The Accuracy of the Ancients: (Content not detailed in provided pages)
• Satellite Observing for Amateurs: (Content not detailed in provided pages)
• Are We Worthy of Being Visited?: (Content not detailed in provided pages)
• Andover Ufologists: (Content not detailed in provided pages)
• Should U.S. Aim to Lose the Moon Race?: (Content not detailed in provided pages)

Plasma and its Behaviour as an Explanation for UFOs

This article delves into the scientific understanding of plasma, superconductors, and plasmoids. It explains how under strong magnetic fields, plasmas can form shapes like rings and whorls that are super-conducting. These phenomena exhibit very little resistance, allowing electrical currents to circulate indefinitely and emit powerful hydromagnetic shock waves. The article suggests that these ring currents, created high in the magnetosphere, can appear as luminous cigar-shaped fields or smaller oval shapes and balls. Their sensitivity to magnetic lines of force explains why they are often seen hovering over electric current wires. The article posits that these natural phenomena, driven by our own science, may account for many UFO reports, including the observed changes in color with speed, magneto-optic effects, and electrical blackouts.

Is Life Evolving on Jupiter?

Based on suggestions from Dr. Robert Jastrow, director of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies, this article explores the possibility of life evolving on Jupiter. Jupiter's atmosphere is rich in basic elements for life, such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, potentially forming an atmosphere of methane gas or hydrocyanic acid, similar to early Earth. Water is also present. Spectral studies suggest Jupiter's gases might be a primordial 'soup' conducive to life's precursors. However, the extreme heat of Jupiter makes Earth-like life impossible, suggesting any life forms would be radically different. Dr. Jastrow notes that confirming this would require a five-year round trip, many decades away.

Space Ship Flies Over Rio Turbio

This short report details an incident on April 20th, 1966, where a spectacular, luminous object was observed over Rio Turbio. It remained stationary for three minutes, then moved west to east, made a 90-degree turn, and disappeared south at high speed. Witnesses described it as a large space ship, like a floating city.

Does Antimatter Fall Upwards?

This article discusses an experiment at Stanford University aimed at determining if antimatter experiences a repulsive force in Earth's gravity. Professor William Fairbank and Dr. Fred Witteborn have reportedly measured the gravitational pull of an electron, indicating it behaves normally. The next step is to conduct similar experiments with positrons (antimatter counterparts of electrons) to see if they fall upwards. The experiment involves precise measurements within a superconducting magnet to isolate gravitational effects from electric forces.

The Farmer & the Saucer in Western Australia

This section recounts the experience of Philip Johnson, a cotton farmer in Western Australia, on August 14th, 1966. While working at night, he witnessed a bright light that slowed down, stopped, and hovered near his location. He described reddish lights that disappeared, followed by a bright white light that illuminated the field. He felt covered in a 'moonlight glow'. Later, he saw four red pilot lights move away, followed by the white light reappearing, hovering, and then moving off. His mother, Mrs. Beverly Johnston, also became involved when Philip reported a second sighting the following night, involving a screeching sound and a bright white light in the bush. Despite a search, nothing was found. Philip later described seeing a shining metal object, approximately 150-180 feet long and 6-8 feet high, moving slowly and silently, with doors, windows, and a windscreen. It accelerated and disappeared.

Flying Saucers - Top Scientists seem Convinced

This article reports on a growing movement within NASA, the American space agency, to investigate UFOs. Led by astrophysicist Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a group of scientists is pushing for NASA to utilize its advanced 'spacetrack' network for UFO monitoring. Historically, UFO reports have been dismissed by the scientific establishment, but the sheer volume of testimony from reliable witnesses has prompted this shift. Dr. Hynek has formed 'The Invisible College,' an association of scientists dedicated to analyzing UFO evidence. The article mentions past incidents, such as radar technicians spotting UFOs near a Gemini capsule and an astronaut photographing an unidentified object, which have been kept secret. It suggests that NASA is now considering a UFO study contract.

Riddle of the Discs From Outer Space

Russian archaeologists are investigating a collection of approximately 716 stone discs, estimated to be 12,000 years old, found in mountains bordering China and Tibet. These discs, resembling 'gramophone records,' have central holes and irregular grooves that are not sound tracks but may be ancient writing. Scientists have failed to decipher them. Russian researchers have discovered traces of metal, particularly cobalt, and that the discs vibrate when scraped, suggesting an electric charge. Vyacheslav Zaitsev, author of the Sputnik report, believes these discs could support legends of ancient beings from outer space and points to the discovery of 12,000-year-old skeletons of human-like beings with large craniums and underdeveloped skeletons in the same region.

Society's 'Look Into Space' Exhibition

This section details a successful exhibition organized by the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society. Initially planned as a small event, it grew into a full-day exhibition featuring vivid posters and displays. The exhibition showcased various aspects of space exploration, including models of planets, a telescope, a satellite tracking aerial, and a lunar scoreboard with interactive elements. The second half focused on UFO evidence, featuring paintings of 'Humanoids,' UFO photographs, newspaper cuttings, and a model of a cigar-shaped mother ship. A scale map of the Isle of Wight pinpointed UFO reports received since the society's foundation. The event was well-attended, with approximately 400 people present, and included a visit from the B.B.C., ensuring its likely continuation as an annual event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of science and the unexplained, particularly UFO phenomena. There is a strong undercurrent of the scientific community's gradual acceptance of UFOs, moving from skepticism to active investigation. The magazine highlights how scientific advancements, such as the understanding of plasma, might provide natural explanations for sightings, while also presenting accounts of seemingly inexplicable events and objects. The Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society is portrayed as a proactive organization, engaging in both public education through exhibitions and serious investigation. The editorial stance, as expressed by David Downer, is one of open-minded inquiry, seeking original material and hoping for greater scientific and governmental engagement with the subject of UFOs. The issue emphasizes the importance of evidence-based investigation and the potential for future breakthroughs in understanding these phenomena.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 12, dated December 1966, features a cover headline questioning the US aim to 'lose' the moon race and includes a diagram of yearly satellite launchings. The magazine covers topics ranging from ancient astronomical accuracy to amateur satellite observation and the potential dangers of space exploration.

The Accuracy of the Ancients

This section discusses Professor Alexander Thom's research into the accuracy of neolithic megalithic sites in Britain. Thom has published evidence suggesting that these ancient astronomers were aware of a periodic component of the Moon's motion, amounting to 9' of arc (declination). This 'ripple' in the Moon's orbit, superimposed on its main movement, could perturb accurate observations of its rising and setting points. Professor Thom identified specific megalithic sites, such as Fowlis Wester in Perthshire, which appear to have been designed to observe these variations. At Fowlis Wester, a sighting line from a prominent stone to a distant peak, when aligned with the Moon's upper limb, indicates a declination of 29° 3'. Thom calculates this as the maximum lunar declination in 1700 BC, neglecting the ripple. He further suggests that at times when the ripple added its greatest positive contribution, observers would need to stand outside the main stone ellipse to the east, and notes the presence of a large stone positioned to provide a 10' adjustment, surprisingly close to the required figure. Three other sites are mentioned where distant objects were employed for similar observations.

Satellite Observing for Amateurs

This article provides guidance for amateur astronomers interested in tracking satellites, noting the relevance of this skill for ufologists needing to report UFO positions accurately for comparison with satellite predictions. It highlights the growing number of satellites and orbital debris. The observation of satellites helps answer questions about the Earth's atmosphere, its variations, and its behavior under solar and lunar cycles. Amateurs, equipped with binoculars and stop-watches, play a significant role in collecting information for scientists studying orbital analysis. The article mentions that over a thousand satellites and fragments are orbiting Earth. The information collecting and predicting center in Britain is the Radio and Space Research Station in Slough, with orbital analysis conducted at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough. They prioritize satellites of importance for observation.

How to Observe

Echo I and II are described as the most stable and easiest satellites to track using stars as a reference. Decaying satellites can be followed using weekly predictions from 'The Guardian', which provide details on maximum elevation, direction of rising and setting, duration of visibility, brightness, and height. This allows observers to narrow down the search area in the sky. Factors like moonlight and local lights can hinder observation. An ideal 'fix' involves estimating a satellite's position between two stars of similar magnitude. The recommended method for detecting satellites is to search backward from high elevation towards the direction of rising in a zigzag pattern, covering a wide arc. Since predictions are often based on a position south of Manchester, observers north of Manchester may need to adjust their observations based on latitude. The timing of observations is crucial, with TIM and BBC pips providing accurate time signals. The desired accuracy for observational timing is 1/10th of a second, making a stopwatch essential.

Recording Observations

The acceptable tolerances for an observation are half a second in time and 2/6th of a degree in position. Standard fixes require right ascension and declination, which can be translated from descriptive positions using 'Norton's Star Atlas' to within 1/10th of a degree. It is important to include the time standard and the epoch of the star atlas used, as well as the Ordnance Survey reference of the observation station. Initially, locating satellites can be difficult, but persistence leads to increased success and a sense of satisfaction in tracking their paths. The accurate information gathered by amateurs is invaluable for orbit analysis, and there is a need for more regular and reliable observers in Britain. Those who achieve a good standard of accuracy are encouraged to send trial observations to The Satellite Orbits Group at the Radio & Space Research Station, Slough, Bucks., for evaluation. Established observers will receive official predictions.

The article is condensed by Mark Holden from an article in 'The Guardian' by Anthony Tucker.

A Cry From The Heart - Are We Worthy of Being Visited?

This section features a letter from Hans Lauritsen, who questions humanity's readiness for contact with highly civilized beings from the universe. He posits that if such beings were to contact us, humanity's inherent tendencies towards competition, self-interest, and conflict might lead to attempts to exploit or gain advantage rather than cooperation. Lauritsen points to the "terrible war in Vietnam" as an example of human conflict, resulting in immense suffering and loss of life, particularly for children. He expresses a hope for a future where wars and hostilities cease, suggesting that only then might humanity be deemed worthy of contact. He urges readers to make every effort towards achieving this goal and asks what they have personally done for humanity.

Letter from The Andover Ufologists

This letter, received in February, is from the secretary of the Andover Ufologists group. They mention hearing about an exhibition on television but missing it, emphasizing the value of such events for providing 'proof' to 'outsiders'. The group was started about a year prior by the writer, her husband, and a friend, Mr. John Ledner, who is also the Chairman. They are members of Bufora and subscribe to the Journal and Flying Saucer Review. While they considered affiliating with Bufora, their limited funds are a constraint. The group had an eventful first year, including a sighting by a student, Miss Janet Philpott, of an Adamski-shaped saucer. Their Chairman, Mr. Ledner, has also reported seeing unexplained lights moving too fast for aircraft. The writer's husband has a reflecting telescope and regrets not using it to observe a bright light near the moon previously seen. The group undertook an all-night visit to Warminster, but despite excellent sky conditions, they did not see any UFOs, only satellites and shooting stars. They plan to repeat this venture. The group also attends monthly meetings in London, though they were disappointed to be unable to attend a lecture on Warminster, leading to a disgruntled letter from their Chairman to Bufora. Their meetings typically involve discussing items from Bufora Journal and Flying Saucer Review, and members give talks on astronomy. The writer's husband is currently attempting to build a UFO detector for the group.

Editorial Notes

The editor expresses support for the Andover Ufologists group, wishing them success and welcoming them to the UFO research field. The editor also invites new groups or individuals with contributions to send their letters or articles.

Should U.S. Aim to Lose Moon-Race?

This article critically examines the US space program's race to land on the moon, scheduled for 1970. It notes that the latest pictures from Russian and American satellites are revealing lunar secrets, but questions whether enough will be learned before the first human landing to ensure astronaut safety. Scientists are admitting that by 1970, many answers will be unknown, and significant risks will be taken. The article suggests that American space authorities would prefer a later landing date (1972 or 1973) if not for national prestige. Wernher von Braun and other scientists believe that striving for the first landing might be a tragic mistake due to numerous unsolved and dangerous moon riddles. These include unexplained light patterns observed on the moon's surface since 1869, which some believe indicate intelligent lunar life, though no scientific explanation has been found. The article notes that these phenomena have led many scientists to refuse to discuss the matter for fear of ridicule.

Scientists are questioning whether the moon race is worth the investment, citing evidence from Russian lunar probes veering off course and the lack of knowledge about dangers facing astronauts. The moon is less understood than distant radio stars. While astronomers can accurately predict eclipses, knowing the moon's precise position is not always guaranteed. The article recounts unexplained events such as the moon turning flaming red on March 19th, 1848, an eclipse in 1903 that missed Scott's expedition, and an unpredicted eclipse in 1918. Huge, unaccountable shadows have also been observed, suggesting the influence of large asteroids or undiscovered worlds. These phenomena could potentially disrupt spaceship trajectories.

Contrary to textbooks, some scientists believe the moon has an atmosphere, citing observations of meteors bursting into white heat and drifting clouds of various colors. The article also raises concerns about the potential dangers of unknown gas mixtures and the possibility of lunar life not conforming to Earth's biological norms. The constant threat of over 70,000 meteors attacking the moon daily poses a significant danger. Radio communication is also highlighted as tricky, with signals sometimes failing, suggesting a mysterious lunar force that could interfere with vital communication during critical times. The article concludes by mentioning that the moon's influence on Earth's human and plant life could be hazardous, and many scientists, including Wernher von Braun, urge that Russian astronauts be allowed to land first to unveil the moon's secrets, arguing it would be no disgrace for the West to come second.

Publications Mentioned

The issue promotes Leonard G. Cramp's book 'A Piece for a Jigsaw', available from Somerton Publishing Co. Ltd. for 27/6d. per copy, and suggests checking local libraries. It also reminds readers about UFOLOG, a monthly information sheet from IWUFOIS detailing the latest sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the scientific investigation of unexplained phenomena, both ancient and contemporary, with a focus on celestial bodies like the Moon and orbiting satellites. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of accurate observation and data collection, particularly for amateur researchers in the UFO field. The magazine also expresses a critical stance on the risks and potential futility of the space race, advocating for caution and a deeper understanding of the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena while also acknowledging the scientific and philosophical implications of humanity's place in the universe and its potential interactions with extraterrestrial intelligence. The issue encourages reader participation and the sharing of information within the UFO research community.