UFO Magazine News Bulletin issue 7

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO MAGAZINE NEWS BULLETIN
Issue: Volume 2 Number 3
Date: Summer 1975
Publisher: Rick R. Hilberg

This issue of the UFO Magazine News Bulletin, published quarterly from Cleveland, Ohio, focuses on two major events: the Mysticon One convention and the upcoming National UFO Conference, alongside an in-depth exploration of the possibility of life on Mars.

Mysticon One Convention

The lead article, "RUNDOWN ON MYSTICON," details the success of Mysticon, the first mixed-media convention held in the Cleveland area on May 30th and 31st. Editor and publisher Rick R. Hilberg describes the event as a fun and informative gathering that avoided being stuffy or overly "scientific." The convention featured a variety of lectures and slide presentations, including topics like the "Bermuda Triangle" and the history of pulp adventure magazines. Science fiction fans enjoyed showings of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and "Things to Come," preceded by a historical look at local radio by Archie Rothman. The event brought together numerous experts in UFOs, the occult, and science fiction, such as Robert S. Easley, James W. Moseley, Allen H. Greenfield, Eugene R. Steinberg, Curt Sutherly, Edward M. Biebel, Allan Manak, Tom Nealings, Robert Lawrence, and Fred G. Cook. Plans are already underway for a 1976 event.

National UFO Conference Information

Robert S. Easley provides details for the "12th Annual National UFO Conference," formerly the Congress of Scientific Ufologists. This event is scheduled for August 15th-17th, 1975, at the Holiday Inn Meeting Room in Defiance, Ohio. While closed sessions for delegates are held on Friday and Saturday, an Open Session for the public is scheduled for Saturday night, August 16th, from 7 PM to 11 PM in Schomburg Auditorium at Defiance College Campus. The open session will feature lectures and slide shows by prominent UFO authorities including Rick R. Hilberg, Edward M. Biebel, Allan J. Manak, Curtis Sutherly, and Robert S. Easley. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase books, magazines, and other related materials.

The Search for Life on Mars

The article "THE SEARCH FOR LIFE ON MARS" by Robert S. Easley delves into the ongoing speculation about life on the Red Planet, particularly in anticipation of the Viking Mars space probe's landing on July 4, 1976. The article quotes H. G. Wells' "The War of The Worlds" and a 1953 Readers Digest article to set the stage for the possibility of Martian migration. It references astronomer Carl Sagan's estimate of one million civilizations in our galaxy and Dr. Frank B. Salisbury's assertion that there is evidence of intelligent life on Mars. The article outlines five key observations supporting this idea:

1. Surface Color Changes: As polar ice caps melt, a distinct color change is observed on Mars' surface, denser than surrounding desert areas. Dr. E. C. Slipher noted in 1954 that Mars appeared to have had a fertile year.
2. Canal Systems: The controversial canal system, first discovered by Giovanni Schiaparelli in 1877, is discussed. While Dr. Slipher viewed them as artificial waterways, Sagan and Shklovski suggest they might offer insights into the Martian environment, even if not the work of an advanced civilization.
3. Martian Satellites: The two small Martian satellites, discovered in 1877, are considered strange due to their size, proximity to Mars, and near-circular equatorial orbits. The inner satellite's hollow sphere-like nature leads to speculation that they might be artificial, launched by advanced beings.
4. Flares: First observed in 1939, these bright flashes of light on the Martian surface last from a few seconds to five minutes. They are too brief to be sunlight reflections or meteor impacts and too short-lived to be volcanic activity. Dr. Salisbury suggests they could be a product of intelligence.
5. UFOs: An apparent increase in reliable UFO reports is noted when Mars is closest to Earth, a correlation not observed with other planets, suggesting potential Martian craft visits.

The article concludes that based on these arguments, Mars may not be a dead planet but one teeming with life and possibly advanced technology. The hope is that the Viking probe will provide definitive evidence.

Subscription Information

A notice at the end of the issue informs readers of a subscription rate increase to $2.00 effective September 1st, due to rising postal and production costs. Subscriptions or renewals before this date will remain at the current rate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly supports the investigation into UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial life, as evidenced by its coverage of conventions and the detailed article on Mars. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional theories and evidence, encouraging public participation and discussion in the field. The inclusion of both scientific speculation and anecdotal observations reflects a broad approach to the subject matter. The emphasis on events like Mysticon suggests a desire to foster community and information exchange among enthusiasts.