1956 10 16 Tempo

Magazine Overview

This issue of TEMPO magazine, dated October 16, 1956, features a prominent article titled "Flying Saucers: Fact or Fantasy?" alongside other content such as "How to End a Love Affair" and "Tempo's System: Pick Series Winner." The cover price is 15¢.

Flying Saucers: Fact or Fantasy?

The lead article delves into the persistent mystery of flying saucers, noting that interest has been heightened by the Department's official attitude of secrecy. Over the past year, numerous UFOs have been spotted, with more than 2,100 individual sightings reported to the Air Force over a two-year period. While many were dismissed as atmospheric phenomena or misinterpretations of aircraft, a persistent thread of mystery remained.

Notable Incidents and Sightings:

• Godman Air Force Base Incident: The article recounts a dramatic event where an unidentified flying object was sighted at approximately 20,000 feet. Four sleek fighters were scrambled, and Flight Leader Captain Thomas Mantell reported closing in on a metallic object of tremendous size that was moving rapidly. He stated, "I'm going up to 20,000 and if I'm no closer I'll abandon chase..." However, the control tower lost contact with Mantell, and his plane was later found wrecked near the airfield.
• Shiloh, Ohio Sighting: A local man described seeing two "shining things" resembling "tadpoles" that were "tremendously large" and flying at about 1,000 feet, swooping around each other before disappearing "in a flash."
• Washington, North Carolina Sighting: Air Force Lieutenant Edward Balocco spotted a silvery object with red lights moving much faster than conventional aircraft. He pursued it, throttling up to 500 mph, but the UFO sped away.

Scientific Investigations and Theories:

Dr. Finch and his colleagues are presented as conducting a sighting expedition, selecting an observatory on Hampstead Heath in London and using specialized instruments like Geiger counters and sighting tubes. Dr. Finch offers potential explanations for these unknown objects, suggesting they might be due to:

• Atom Bomb Explosions: These could release pockets of ionized air containing radioactive particles.
• Secret Remote Control Rockets: These might be sent from behind the Iron Curtain to photograph military and atomic establishments.

Despite the national furor over flying saucers having abated somewhat, the article emphasizes that they are still being spotted, and the mystery continues to deepen.

International Concern:

The British have also expressed serious concern about unidentified objects, leading them to establish a Flying Saucer Service Center in London. In collaboration with its objectives, Dr. Bernard Finch recently organized a group for scientific study.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine presents the flying saucer phenomenon as a serious subject, balancing factual reporting of sightings and incidents with scientific inquiry and speculation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the "persistent thread of mystery" and the need for further study, while also considering potential explanations ranging from atmospheric phenomena to advanced technology. The inclusion of the tragic Mantell incident underscores the potential dangers and the gravity of the subject matter. The magazine aims to inform readers about the ongoing debate between "Fact or Fantasy?" regarding UFOs.