Topside - Issue 20 - 1966 Spring

Magazine Overview

Title: TOPSIDE
Issue: NUMBER 20
Publisher: THE OTTAWA NEW SCIENCES CLUB
Location: OTTAWA, Ontario, CANADA
Date: SPRING, 1966.
Price: $1.00 for 4 issues (approximately quarterly)

This issue of Topside, Number 20, published in Spring 1966, presents a collection of articles focusing on youth, cosmic understanding, and UFO phenomena. The publication is produced by The Ottawa New Sciences Club and states that the opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the club. Permission to copy is granted with due acknowledgement.

Articles and Content

Some Thoughts on Springtime and Youth

This article draws a parallel between the season of Spring and the springtime of human life, focusing on the current young generation. It addresses the common tendency of older generations to criticize youth's behavior and predict a gloomy future. The author argues that historically, youth have always matured into capable leaders and citizens. The article posits that today's youth, often dismissed as 'morons,' are in fact strong-minded and intelligent individuals seeking truth. It highlights a message from 'Space Brothers' suggesting that this young generation holds the key to saving the world from colossal disaster. These 'Space Brothers' claim that a new breed of homo sapiens, whose ancestors evolved on a more advanced planet, are being born on Earth. This new breed, characterized by a greater understanding of practical humanities and a non-violent approach to injustice, is destined to guide humanity away from cataclysmic disaster. The article notes that the beginnings of this passive revolt are already visible, particularly in universities. It further mentions the prophecy of a male child with an evolved mind and leadership flair who will inspire a global movement for a 'New Way of Life' for Planet Earth, emphasizing a practical, humanitarian step towards universal brotherhood rather than a religious revival.

The author concludes by urging gratitude for the 'source of help' sent by a 'God of Mercy' and praying for the younger generation to have the strength to fulfill their special mission on Planet Earth.

New Zealand's Scientific Approach to Cosmic Understanding

This section introduces the "The New Zealand Scientific Approach to Cosmic Understanding" (NZSATCU), an active UFO group based in Timaru, New Zealand. NZSATCU holds regular meetings and publishes a bi-monthly Newsletter filled with well-documented scientific articles on UFOs and related subjects. The organization is non-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian, aiming for a scientific approach to understanding spacecraft. While interested in Cosmic Philosophy and messages from 'Space Brothers,' it clarifies it is not a spiritualistic group. The Newsletter is edited by Fred and Phyllis Dickeson and can be obtained via subscription for seven shillings and sixpence per year. The article recommends it as an excellent source of UFO news. NZSATCU also publishes 'Inspirational Writings by Mr. X,' which purport to come from 'The Two Friends,' space entities who contact Mr. X inspirationally. These writings are described as direct, forthright, and thought-provoking, potentially challenging established religious and spiritual beliefs.

The Mysterious Chunk of Hardware at Ottawa

This is the most extensive article in the issue, detailing a large piece of metal found on the property of The Ottawa New Sciences Club Headquarters. The object, measuring about 4 ft. by 6 ft. and weighing an estimated 3,000 pounds, was found in the St. Lawrence River near Les Ecureils, Quebec. Its composition, purpose, and origin are a mystery. It is described as having a rough oval shape, like an inverted mushroom, with a penetrating plug. The material is ferrous, extremely hard, and resistant to cutting. It is faintly magnetic and shows signs of having been subjected to high temperatures and pressure.

The article recounts the discovery: a sonic boom was heard, and a fiery object split into two pieces, falling into the St. Lawrence River. The smaller piece was found near the shore, while the larger one was submerged. Club members investigated but found no local witnesses to the fall. A local resident beachcomber found the two pieces on a shale bed. The smaller 800-lb piece was sold to a scrap metal dealer in Quebec City and was mistakenly classified as non-ferrous. The larger piece was eventually picked up by the Canadian Arsenals Research and Development Establishment (CARDE) for investigation.

CARDE's analysis concluded the object was a metallic face-centred cubic compound, possibly austenitic steel or meteoric iron. However, spectrographic analysis showed insufficient nickel for meteoric origin, suggesting it was high-manganese austenitic steel of terrestrial origin. Another report describes the object as a mass of high-strength metal that had fallen in a plastic state, with an outline of a tube and an embedded electronic component identified as a transistor. CARDE personnel considered it a normal foundry product.

Despite CARDE's findings, laboratory experiments by the late Wilbert B. Smith and his colleagues yielded unusual results. Heating a small piece caused it to blossom into a miniature white cloud with bright sparks, suggesting exothermic magnesium reactions. Smith warned of potential danger from heating larger chunks and concluded it was not a blast furnace product. Further experiments indicated limitations in its heat resistance. The intense heating did not burn the object as expected, leading to the conclusion that it was not a blast furnace product.

CARDE suggested the metal might be slag from a foundry transported by ice floe, but the article disputes this due to the distance of mills and the month of June. The mystery of its arrival remains, as the river's conditions make arrival by boat or raft unlikely, and a fall from the sky would have been earth-shaking. Further analysis of the outer surface revealed minute inclusions, possibly micro-meteorites, suggesting a long sojourn in space. Dr. Peter Millman estimated the density of these particles could accumulate over about a year in space. The Club has been unable to find facilities for a mass spectrographic analysis to determine isotopes and establish its origin definitively.

Increased UFO Activity in Canada!

This section reports on increased UFO sightings and landings across the world, with a focus on Canada. It mentions a specific incident in Hamilton, Ontario, where a young boy reported seeing two UFOs land, approached one, touched its antenna, and received a yellow burn on his arm, witnessed by a police officer. This incident led to a Member of Parliament requesting a special investigation into Canadian UFO sightings. The article reminds readers that International Flying Saucer Day, June 24, falls on a Friday and is an ideal night for sky watching.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Topside are the potential of youth to shape the future, the exploration of UFO phenomena through a scientific lens, and the investigation of unexplained physical objects and events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider unconventional ideas, particularly those related to extraterrestrial contact and the evolution of humanity, while also grounding these discussions in scientific analysis and reporting on observed phenomena. There is a clear interest in messages from 'Space Brothers' and a belief in a coming 'New Way of Life' for Earth, driven by a new generation. The magazine also champions the scientific approach to understanding UFOs, as exemplified by the NZSATCU, and diligently investigates mysterious physical evidence like the Ottawa metal chunk.