Spacelink 1967 vol 4 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACELINK
Issue: Volume 4, No. 3
Date: Summer 1967
Publisher: Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society
Type: Journal

This issue of SPACELINK, the journal of the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society, marks the final publication under the current editorship, with new ownership taking over for subsequent issues. The editorial expresses relief at the continuity of the publication and thanks supporters. The issue covers a range of topics related to UFOs and unexplained phenomena.

Articles and Content

The Great Flying Saucer Hoax

This article details a dramatic event on September 4th, 1967, where 'flying saucers' were reported to have landed at six points across Southern England. The news caused confusion among police and military, with bomb disposal experts being deployed. However, it was revealed to be an elaborate hoax orchestrated by students from the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. They created glass-fibre 'saucers' with mercury switches and planted them as part of a 'Technical School rag day' publicity stunt. One of the organizers, Chris Southall, stated their intention was to publicize the event and test the authorities' response to such a situation, concluding that the authorities were not adequately prepared.

Editorial

The editorial announces that this is the last issue to be edited and produced on the Isle of Wight after four years and 14 issues. The editor, Frederick W. Smith, details the significant personal time and effort involved in producing the journal, including editing, writing, designing covers, and managing distribution. The Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society decided to cease publication due to the immense workload on the few dedicated individuals. However, an offer to take over the publication has ensured its continuity. The editorial expresses gratitude to all who supported the journal and expresses hope that readers will continue their support under the new ownership, with Isle of Wight connections to be maintained.

Some Philosophical Implications of UFO's

Written by Sam Richards of I.W.U.F.O.I.S., this article reflects on the persistent mystery of UFOs since Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. Despite numerous books and papers, a definitive 'break-through' in understanding remains elusive. The author questions why UFOs do not openly reveal themselves. He posits that humanity, with its ego and perceived superiority, may be disrupting the natural balance of Earth's environment, drawing parallels to a cancer cell's threat to its host. The article explores the concept of 'man' as a creature governed by survival, whose actions often lead to destruction, and questions whether a superior intelligence would intervene or remain indifferent to this imbalance. It also touches upon the different types of beings encountered in reported contacts, from 'angelic' to 'monstrous', and the difficulties in communication due to vast differences in intelligence and perspective.

Meteorites Which Froth Up on the Way Down

This piece reports on a challenge to the fragmentation theory of meteorites. Researchers H. Julian Allan and Barrett S. Baldwin Jr. propose that density fluctuations observed in meteor flights are due to the meteorites frothing as they are heated by atmospheric friction. Experiments in an arc-jet wind tunnel with terrestrial and meteoric samples showed significant frothing and density decrease. The findings suggest that meteorite collectors should look for frothy material, which might indicate an extraterrestrial origin.

Luminous Wheels Puzzle Seamen

This article details several sightings of a phenomenon described as 'phosphorescent wheels' or luminous bands of mist in the Gulf of Thailand and surrounding waters. Observed by merchant ships, these phenomena appeared as organized structures with radial or spiral arms rotating at high speeds. Professor Kurt Kalle suggests bioluminescence as a possible cause, but notes the organized behavior and speed are unusual for marine life.

Pictures from Outer Space

This section summarizes an article by Peter Lamb from the magazine SAGA. It discusses Nikola Tesla's theories on transmitting energy wirelessly and his experiments in Colorado Springs. It also covers early investigations into extraterrestrial signals, including Guglielmo Marconi's reception of strange signals across the Atlantic, Dr. David Todd's attempt to photograph signals from Mars, and Karl G. Jansky's discovery of radio static originating from the constellation Sagittarius. The article highlights the work of Project OZMA, led by Dr. Frank D. Drake, which detected strong signals from space, and discusses the challenges of communicating with potential extraterrestrial intelligences, suggesting simple arithmetic as a starting point.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs, the philosophical questions they raise about humanity's place in the universe, and the scientific investigation into potential extraterrestrial signals and phenomena. The editorial stance, particularly in the 'Philosophical Implications' article, is one of honest inquiry, acknowledging the lack of definitive answers while exploring various theories and perspectives. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation, even when dealing with speculative topics, and a critical approach to claims, as seen in the debunking of the 'flying saucer hoax'. The journal also shows an interest in the practical aspects of UFO investigation, such as reporting sightings and analyzing physical evidence.

This issue of "UFO Investigator" (Vol. 3, No. 12, dated May 21st, 1967) features a cover story titled "THE REAL STONEHENGE" by Mrs. M. E. Carey, exploring alleged carvings and psychic experiences at the ancient monument. The magazine also includes reports on a scientific UFO investigation project in Colorado, various UFO sightings from around the world, and an inventor's ambitious project to build a flying saucer.

The Real Stonehenge

Mrs. M. E. Carey recounts her personal experiences and discoveries at Stonehenge, beginning with psychic impressions and a warning about releasing forces into the atmosphere. She describes finding symbolic carvings on the stones, including elephant heads, a bull, a man on horseback, a fish, a canoe, a bear's head, and a hunter, which she believes were made by 'Sky People'. She also details a vision of a glowing helestone that transformed into a serpent, from which a man emerged, surrounded by a noble, civilized race. Mrs. Carey suggests these 'Sky People' were responsible for helping humanity after a past catastrophe and that the serpent was their sign.

She identifies three carved figures that might represent the 'Sky People', describing one as a space crewman and another with features resembling a pilot, complete with propellers and a flying kit. Mrs. Carey also draws parallels between Stonehenge and other ancient sites like Tiahuanaco in Bolivia, Carnac in Brittany, and Keswick in the Lake District, suggesting a global network of carved prehistoric stones.

Colorado UFO Project

The magazine reports on a UFO investigation project at the University of Colorado, funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The project has adopted a positive approach, aiming to prove the existence of UFOs rather than dismiss sightings with conventional explanations. The project is analyzing authenticated UFO photographs, including those taken by Rex Heflin in 1965, and is encouraging reports from trained observers, including professional pilots. The Los Angeles NICAP Subcommittee has deemed the Heflin photographs highly significant.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

Several UFO sightings are detailed:

• Brixham, Devon, UK: Coastguards observed a giant cone-shaped object hovering for over an hour. An aircraft approached it, and the object later climbed rapidly and vanished. The Ministry of Defence initially denied receiving a report, suggesting it might have been a reflection or meteorological phenomenon, which the coastguards dismissed.
• Stella power station, UK: Eight people witnessed a black boomerang-shaped object hovering at an elevation of 45 degrees. It developed a hazy appearance, emitted smoke, and then shot off at high speed.
• Leominster, Massachusetts, USA: Mr. and Mrs. William Wallace reported a UFO that hovered over a cemetery, immobilizing Mr. Wallace and causing his car's lights, radio, and engine to cease functioning. He also felt an electric shock.
• Soviet Union: A Soviet astronomer, Felix Zigel, admitted that Russians have been sighting UFOs for 20 years, suggesting they might be extraterrestrial and have been tracked on Soviet radar.

John Searle's Flying Saucer Project

An article introduces Mr. John Searle, an electronics engineer from Mortimer, Berkshire, who is developing an object described as a flying saucer. Searle claims his craft, 14ft. in diameter, will take off without propellers or jets, powered by a secret source that produces perpetual motion and regenerates electrical force. He plans a public demonstration where the craft will fly at 1,000 miles per hour and then return to land, potentially revolutionizing scientific theories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of ancient mysteries and modern UFO phenomena. There's a strong emphasis on the idea of advanced, possibly extraterrestrial, intelligences influencing human history, as seen in the 'Sky People' theory related to Stonehenge. The magazine also highlights the challenges and importance of scientific investigation into UFOs, contrasting it with conventional explanations and acknowledging the complexity of the subject. The editorial stance appears to favor open-minded inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena and ancient enigmas, encouraging the collection of evidence and the exploration of unconventional theories.