Topside - Issue 04 - 1960 December

Magazine Overview

Title: TOP SIDE
Issue: December 1960
Publisher: Ottawa Flying Saucer Club
Location: 10 Lotta Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of TOP SIDE, published by the Ottawa Flying Saucer Club, presents a blend of speculative science, UFO reports, and critiques of established scientific thought. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the club.

Are We Entering - Or Leaving?

This lead article by W.B. Smith explores the profound implications of atomic energy, posing the question of whether humanity is progressing or regressing by crossing a threshold in its development. The author highlights the immense destructive potential of nuclear devices, citing Dr. Hugh Keenleyside's estimate of over 150,000 nuclear devices in existence. The article delves into the physics of atomic bomb explosions, explaining how the fission process releases enormous energy, capable of generating temperatures billions of degrees centigrade. It draws parallels to the sun's temperature and theorizes about uncontrolled fusion reactions if hydrogen were to directly convert to helium without the stabilizing carbon-nitrogen-oxygen cycle.

A significant portion of the article speculates on the catastrophic consequences of an accidental atomic bomb detonation in a large body of water, such as one of the Great Lakes. The author posits that the explosion, confined by water rich in hydrogen, could initiate a "hydrogen bomb" effect, leading to a cumulative thermo-nuclear chain reaction. This reaction, if unchecked by a lack of hydrogen or a drop in temperature, could result in a blast of such intensity that it would vaporize the entire planet, producing a celestial display visible throughout the galaxy. The article concludes that such an event would leave humanity unable to observe it, as it would have ceased to exist.

The author asserts that these speculations are not idle but are based on data, calculations, and measurements that led to the development of the atom bomb, with the potential consequences serving as a stark warning.

UFO Sighting: Near Ottawa, Ontario

Described by Mr. L.A. Christink, this section details a UFO sighting that occurred on October 28, 1960, at approximately 7:05 PM. The object was observed near the city of Crocus, on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River, and crossed the river towards Ontario. The sky was clear, and the object's color was described as glowing yellowish-orange. Its shape was that of a cloud-gated egg, and it appeared to have a vapor trail or 'ebent'. The object was noted to be entirely different from a conventional jet aircraft sighting. No sound was heard, attributed to vehicle noise and the object's altitude. It traveled too fast to be a weather balloon and remained visible for approximately twenty-five minutes. The sighting was witnessed by multiple persons.

UFO Sighting: East of Ottawa

By J.R. Buchanan, this account describes a sighting on the night of April 15th, while the author was flying an RCAF Harder Aircraft about fifteen miles east of Ottawa. During a cross-country flight, a very intense flashing blue light caught his attention. Initially unsure if it was ground or airborne, he deduced it was airborne when a commercial aircraft passed below it. The light moved east, gradually climbing and flashing on and off at a frequency of about once per second. The author followed it to 8000 feet near Vankleek Hill but could not close the gap as the light outpaced his aircraft. He broke off the chase, and about ten miles out, at a thousand-foot altitude, the flashing light reappeared directly behind his aircraft. He lost sight of the UFO during the landing procedure and could not relocate it on the ground. He could not judge its size or distance, though it appeared close. No structure or physical detail was visible.

New Principles in Quantum Mechanics, A Review

This review by W.B. Smith discusses the book "New Principles in Quantum Mechanics" by Dr. H. C. Dudley, Chief of the Radio-Isotope Laboratory at the U.S. Naval Hospital in St. Albans, New York. The review highlights Dr. Dudley's courage in challenging modern scientific orthodoxy. Extracts from the book are presented, suggesting that scientists have misled themselves and mankind by wedding mathematics and philosophy, leading to conclusions considered scientific truths that have never been observed. The book critiques the development of basic postulates in modern theories and the promotional methods used to establish scientific doctrines.

Dr. Dudley's work is described as challenging the established scientific view by questioning the reliance on frames of reference, which he suggests leads to egocentric conclusions and the creation of "imaginary geometries and mental aberrations." The review quotes Hilbert's definition of mathematics as a game played with meaningless marks on paper and suggests that mathematicians have created complex games with unintelligible marks, changing rules at will, and that only they truly understand their work, leading to a sense of superiority.

The book is said to argue that scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers can be swayed by emphasis and selected data, using techniques of modern advertising and propaganda. The review notes that part two of Dr. Dudley's book deals with the consequences of a particulate universe and its consistency with our reality, though it laments that Dr. Dudley did not incorporate the concept of the field nature of Time, which the reviewer believes would have simplified and made the representation of the universe more realistic.

The book is highly recommended for those with sufficient scientific background, with the reviewer stating that it is "most disturbing, but may be we ought to be disturbed."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the profound and potentially dangerous implications of scientific advancements, particularly in atomic energy, and the questioning of established scientific paradigms. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards conventional scientific explanations and methodologies, as evidenced by the critique of quantum mechanics and the speculative discussion on the potential for nuclear annihilation. The magazine also serves as a platform for reporting and discussing UFO sightings, suggesting an interest in phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, encouraging readers to question accepted truths and consider alternative perspectives, even if they are disturbing.