Topside - Issue 06 - 1961 Summer

Magazine Overview

'Top Side' is a publication by the Ottawa Flying Saucer Club, with this issue identified as the Summer Edition of 1961. The magazine's address is listed as 10 Lotta Street, Ottawa, Ontario. The editorial stance clarifies that opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the club.

Article: 'WE ARE NOT ALONE' by W.B. Smith

The primary article, 'WE ARE NOT ALONE', authored by W.B. Smith (B.A.Sc., M.A. Sc., P.Eng., Superintendent, Radio Regulations Engineering, Department of Transport, Ottawa), was presented as a talk to the Kinsmen Club of Ottawa on May 25, 1961. Smith begins by emphasizing the immense scale and age of the universe, positing that our minds struggle to comprehend its vastness. He notes the billions of stars in our galaxy and millions of galaxies beyond, with the universe potentially being eternal.

Smith considers humanity's evolution on Earth and acknowledges the significant progress made by civilization, particularly in recent decades. However, he questions human egotism regarding our position in the universe, posing whether we are alone. He highlights recent advancements in space exploration, such as Sputniks and manned space flight, suggesting that inter-planetary travel is achievable before the year 2000, with inter-stellar trips possibly following soon after. He anticipates that humanity's future will involve exploration, exploitation, and colonization of other planets, extending to planets around other stars.

Smith further speculates that other intelligent races, potentially far more advanced, may have already achieved this level of space travel. He suggests that a differential of only a few hundred or thousand years in development could result in a race capable of such feats. It's possible such races have been undertaking space travel for a long time, making it as commonplace as wheeled vehicles are to us. He theorizes that these advanced races might actively accelerate environmental conditions on planets, seeding them with life forms and observing their development.

He presents evidence suggesting this scenario is already occurring. While Darwinian evolution explains relationships between Earth's life forms, he finds little evidence they all evolved here. He proposes they may have been brought to Earth when it was in a suitable condition. Spectroscopic observations of Mars suggest vegetation, and radio telescopes detect systematic signals that preclude natural origin. Sightings of peculiar markings, light flashes, and formations on Mars and the Moon are mentioned. Most significantly, he states that crafts of alien beings have been seen near and on Earth.

Smith references legends and historical accounts of visits from beings with extraordinary craft and powers. He believes this has occurred throughout ages and continues today. He notes the increased publicity surrounding flying saucers in the last ten years, though reports of similar phenomena date back to newspaper origins. The tense international climate contributed to suspicion of unknown aerial objects.

He argues that while the military investigated these objects, their interest waned once they determined they were not hostile. Data collected was classified, hindering independent analysis. However, based on available information, startling conclusions have been reached. Thousands have witnessed objects behaving unusually, with reliable photographs and 'hardware' collected that defy conventional explanation. Simultaneous visual and radar sightings, along with evidence of physical contact, are cited.

In some instances, reliable individuals have reported seeing beings resembling humans operating these craft. He suggests that contacts between these beings and Earthlings have occurred, and the results are consistent and enlightening. The proliferation of books and magazines on the subject indicates a growing body of evidence.

Smith summarizes that alien craft are visiting Earth, operated by beings similar to us, possibly distant relatives. He believes space travel and colonization are commonplace among advanced races. Information from alleged 'contacts' provides insights into their technology, customs, and philosophy. He concludes that if humanity avoids self-destruction and respects dignity and brotherhood, it may be welcomed into a 'cosmic fraternity' of advanced races.

Donation Appeal

The magazine includes a section appealing for donations to help defray the expenses of 'Topside' and support the club's mailing list.

News Clipping: Dr. Melvin Calvin's Statement

A clipping from the Ottawa Citizen dated Thursday, June 29, 1961, quotes Dr. Melvin Calvin, a scientist from the University of California. Calvin stated that living beings, many far more advanced than humans, exist on millions of other planets. The article connects this to biblical scripture, referencing Isaiah's prophecy that God created the Earth to be inhabited.

Article: 'ANOTHER UFO?'

This section details a specific UFO sighting that occurred on December 10th, 1960, around 5:35 PM. Brian Buchanan and Ian Robertson were on Skead Road, on the eastern outskirts of Ottawa, when they observed a light in the southern sky. The object appeared as a disc, from which a reddish cloud emanated and expanded. They described it as a white disc tilted, surrounded by the cloud, estimated to be about a third of the moon's diameter. The object moved out of the cloud and faded. Later, a red light appeared at a different elevation, forming a circular glowing arch that vanished, followed by another dim red light resembling a smoke ring that expanded and attenuated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'Top Side' revolve around the vastness of the universe, the strong possibility of extraterrestrial life and civilizations, and the ongoing investigation into UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as stated on the first page, is that the opinions expressed are those of the authors, indicating a platform for diverse viewpoints within the UFO community, while the club itself remains neutral. The issue promotes a sense of wonder about the cosmos and encourages the belief that humanity is not alone, potentially on the cusp of joining a larger galactic community.