UFO Magazine - vol 1 number 1 - Saucer Album

Magazine Overview

Title: Saucer Album
Issue: 5 (Volume 1)
Date: February 16, 1967
Publisher: The United Research Council of UFOlogy
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Saucer Album, dated February 16, 1967, is a magazine dedicated to photos, facts, and features concerning Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). It is edited by Allen Greenfield and managed by Ricky Hilberg. The cover story, "Jumping cows! It's a 'saucer'," details an incident in Willow Grove, Australia, where a farmer, Charlie Brew, reported a disc-shaped object causing his herd of cows and a horse to panic.

Editorial Stance and Key Articles

Speaking Out Loud: Editorial

The editorial, titled "Mystery Object Over Hawaii," addresses the ongoing dispute surrounding UFOs. It notes that while hundreds of sightings occur annually, the public is largely unaware of the controversy. The editorial highlights the conflicting stances of the U.S. Air Force, which publicly denies the reality of UFOs, and a group of private investigators who claim substantial evidence exists and that the Air Force is aware of it. The publication of Saucer Album is presented as a means to inform the public about the latest developments and history of UFO phenomena.

The Reality Of The UFOs by Ed Babcock

Ed Babcock, Director of NJAAP, argues that the U.S. Air Force has been deliberately debunking UFO sightings to hide the truth from the public. He questions why the government would withhold evidence of possible visitors from space, suggesting reasons such as preventing public panic or enabling defensive actions. Babcock criticizes the government's practice of 'classification,' stating that much of the supposedly secret information is readily available in published books and articles. He asserts that the handling of UFO information is a military matter and questions its justification, noting that thousands of sightings have been reported over 14 years. Babcock recounts the famous Kenneth Arnold sighting on June 23, 1947, as the beginning of the greatest news story of all time.

Babcock details Kenneth Arnold's account of seeing nine disc-shaped objects flying at an estimated 1,000 MPH or more. He also mentions a report from a Portland building contractor who, along with companions, witnessed six shiny disc-shaped objects and experienced compass deviations. The article notes the Air Force's initial bewilderment and subsequent announcement that the sightings were mass hallucinations, a claim contradicted by thousands of witnesses in Portland on the same day. The incident involving a United Airlines crew who observed five wingless discs maneuvering near their plane at high speeds is also recounted.

Air Force Deception Tactics

Major Donald E. Keyhoe is quoted stating that the Air Force possesses secret motion pictures of flying saucers that prove they are interplanetary craft, taken by Navy warrant officer Delbert C. Newhouse in 1952 over Tremonton, Utah. Despite some Air Force officers urging a public showing, the plan was reportedly killed. The Utah film reportedly showed 16 bluish-white objects, and after analysis, the Air Force concluded they were not aircraft of any known type.

Babcock criticizes the Air Force's explanations for radar contacts and visual sightings, such as attributing them to weather balloons or seagulls, when pilots report chasing objects at extreme speeds. He mentions speeds clocked at 42,000 MPH in the atmosphere and notes the irony of spending vast sums to duplicate the performance of objects whose existence is officially denied. The article outlines two Air Force censoring techniques: the "multiple-explanation" type to confuse the public with conflicting solutions, and the "roundabout pressure" maneuver, where pressure is applied through officials of organizations (like railroads or airlines) to silence witnesses.

Documented Cases and Evidence

Dr. Herman Oberth is mentioned as having concluded that flying saucers are real and from space after three years of investigation, but his silence on the subject after taking a job in Huntsville, Alabama, is attributed to the Air Force.

The magazine presents several points suggesting UFOs are real and that the Air Force is withholding information. One example cites the Air Force's 1954 public release stating only 87 reports were filed in seven months, while Len Stringfield interviewed an officer who stated an average of 700 sightings per week were reported, with the '87' figure applying only to cases 'under special analysis.'

Several specific cases are detailed:

• Case 1 (December 6, 1952): A B-29 flying towards Florida detected UFOs on radar with speeds calculated at 5,240 MPH. Later, two UFOs appeared as "blurs of blue light," and another blip merged with a large machine, accelerating to 9,000 MPH.
• Case 2 (July 14, 1952): Airline pilots Nash and Fortenberry flying to Miami observed six bright objects that slowed down, with UFOs two and three appearing to overrun the first. Eight objects in total were seen at 2,000 feet, appearing as red hot coals, with estimated speeds of 6,000 - 12,000 miles per hour.

These cases are described as officially released by the Air Force and indicate intelligently controlled vehicles with speeds defying gravity and inertia, suggesting non-aerodynamic power.

• Case 1 (August 1, 1952): Maj. James B. Smith and 1st Lt. Don Hemer pursued a glowing object over Dayton, which changed color, was confirmed as solid, and disappeared at high speed. The incident was cloaked in secrecy, and photographs were banned.
• Case 2 (Late 1952): Ground observers in Rockford, Illinois, reported a UFO that was fired upon by jets and exploded, with a smaller object then emerging and disappearing upwards. Witnesses were warned to remain silent.

The article questions the Air Force's order to pilots to "shoot down the saucers" if possible, given their public denial of UFO existence, arguing it's illogical for jets to fire on American secret weapons. It also points out that UFOs do not respect restricted areas or airline routes, making secret experiments unlikely over populated areas.

• Case 1 (November 21, 1950): Scores of Pasco residents and workers at the Hanford Atomic Works watched a huge cigar-shaped vessel perform maneuvers over the restricted area.
• Case 2 (July 1952): Scores of UFOs were tracked by radar over Washington, D.C., hovering over restricted areas like the White House and Pentagon, and leaving when American craft approached. They exhibited fantastic speeds and right-angle turns.

Interplanetary Vehicles and Official Denial

A significant observation from Convair engineers Don R. Carr and Seymour Gates, former Navy pilot Dean Strawn, and amateur astronomer Robert Maney on May 12, 1952, is reprinted. They observed a white circular object with a red trail, moving erratically at 15,000 feet, appearing as a disc or sphere. It accelerated, brightened, and circled the city twice, soundlessly, and under intelligent control. The object's initial height was calculated at 117.5 miles, with an initial speed of 36,000 MPH. Carr concluded that the object came from above the atmosphere, levelling off and maneuvering under intelligent control.

The article references a 1947 ATIC Top Secret Estimate of the Situation that concluded flying saucers were interplanetary vehicles, publicly confirmed by Capt. Edward J. Ruppelt, former head of the Air Force UFO project. However, High Air Force officials now deny this document's existence, though NICAP reportedly has proof. The magazine calls for the Air Force to open its investigation files to the public, arguing that if UFOs are a menace to national security, the public has a right to know.

The Saucers Through The Eyes Of The Press (Part I)

This section reprints early press coverage of UFO sightings from June and July 1947, focusing on the famous "Arnold incident." A headline from Thursday, June 26, 1947, reads "Lone Flier Only One to Sight Big Objects in Western Sky." The article details Kenneth Arnold's report of nine mysterious objects, described as "flat like a pie pan," flying at approximately 1,200 miles per hour over Washington. Army and CAA spokesmen expressed skepticism, with an inspector doubting anything could fly that fast. Arnold described the objects as shiny and reflecting the sun like a mirror, weaving with a peculiar motion.

Story of Chase in the Sky: Airline Pilot Sees 'Flying Saucers'

This article recounts an eyewitness account by United Airlines pilot Capt. E. J. Smith, detailing a chase on Friday night, July 4, 1947, over Boise, Idaho. The tower jokingly warned them to look out for "Flying Saucers." Smith and his co-pilot, Ralph Stevens, observed four or five "somethings," one larger than the rest, appearing to be thin with a rough-appearing top. They followed the objects northwest for about 45 miles. The attendant, Marty Morrow, verified the sighting. They were unable to determine if the objects outsped them or disintegrated. The article notes that their DC-3 aircraft had a speed of 185 m.p.h., and the objects were mostly dead ahead, making them difficult to see clearly.

'Saucers' May Be Radio-Run; P-80 Stands by for Chase

This article from United Press reports that as of Saturday night, July 5, 1947, there was no official explanation for the flying saucer mystery. Dr. Gerhard Kuiper, director of the Yerkes Observatory, suggested that the flight descriptions indicated radio control, believing that if real, they must be man-made and not astronomical phenomena. He speculated they could be controlled by the U.S. armed services or sent from a "wave of saucer hysteria." The army revealed it had a P-80 fighter plane on standby at Muroc army air base for a chase. A Manhattan project scientist reportedly suggested some people were "seeing spots before their eyes," while a San Diego editor of an occult magazine claimed they were spaceships from Mars.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Saucer Album are the prevalence of UFO sightings, the alleged advanced technology of these objects, and a strong skepticism towards official explanations, particularly those from the U.S. Air Force. The magazine consistently presents a narrative of government cover-up and public deception, contrasting the Air Force's denial with numerous witness testimonies and documented cases. The editorial stance is clearly pro-investigation and pro-disclosure, advocating for the public's right to know about UFO phenomena. The issue emphasizes the historical significance of early sightings and the ongoing debate about the origin and nature of these unidentified objects.

Title: The Press on Saucers
Issue Date: July 7, 1947 (with additional content dated up to February 1, 1963)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "The Press on Saucers" compiles numerous reports and discussions surrounding unidentified flying objects (UFOs), commonly referred to as 'flying saucers,' primarily focusing on the wave of sightings in July 1947 but also including later incidents and analyses.

'Flying Discs' Dime a Dozen, Are Worth $3,000 in the Hand

The lead article details the widespread reports of 'flying saucers' across the United States in early July 1947. In Wisconsin, flight instructor Kenneth Jones and Capt. R. J. Southey reported seeing a 'white ball' and a 'silver thing,' respectively. The state Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in Milwaukee planned a large-scale flight to track these objects. Meanwhile, three college students in Milton, Wisconsin, reported seeing three flying discs in a V-formation. The article notes that while rewards were offered for genuine flying saucers, there were no takers. It also mentions a peculiar case from Pittsburgh where a man's 'flying saucers' were thrown out by his wife during a divorce.

Witness Accounts and Scientific Skepticism

Dr. Reginald Jackson of the Madison Civil Air Patrol expressed a willingness to participate in tracking efforts, even humorously suggesting bringing a shotgun. However, many scientists, like Prof. Harry Harlow of the University of Wisconsin, remained skeptical, attributing sightings to natural phenomena or 'curiosity or publicity-seeking.' Meteorologists at the North hall weather station were awaiting information from larger bureaus to find coincidences in weather conditions. Astronomers insisted the 'saucers' could not be meteors.

International Reports and Official Responses

The mystery of the saucers extended internationally, with reports from Mexico City. In Sydney, Australia, a psychology professor encouraged students to look for saucers, with some claiming to have seen them. The article also touches on Russian skepticism and mentions the 'ghost rockets' incident over Sweden in the previous year, where most sightings were attributed to meteors.

'Disc' Sighted Near Madison by Professor

This section details a sighting by Professor E. B. McGilvary, an emeritus professor of philosophy at the University of Wisconsin. He reportedly saw a round, illuminated object, about two-thirds the size of the moon, moving more rapidly than a meteor but not as fast as one. It did not leave a trail of light and appeared illuminated rather than fiery. He initially thought it was a large meteor but later realized its unusual characteristics. He was hesitant to speak about it due to his reticence about publicity.

Saucer Just Didn't Fit Editor's Idea of Scoop

Richard L. Bitters, editor of the Wapakoneta Daily News, revealed that he and his wife had seen flying objects on June 23, two days before they were first reported in the Pacific Northwest. However, he delayed reporting it for two weeks, apparently out of embarrassment or uncertainty.

Army Ready for New Flying Saucer' Search

This article reports that the army was preparing for a new search for 'flying saucers,' which had been reported in 31 states and parts of Canada. Army air force spokesman Capt. Tom Brown stated that the army was investigating and not dismissing the possibility of something real, nor the possibility of a hoax. Despite telescopic cameras and 11 army planes searching the Pacific Northwest, no trace was found. The article also mentions various other reports, including a priest who found a 'metal disc' that turned out to be a circular saw blade, and discs made of pressed white paper found in East St. Louis.

Even Dogs Get Point of Hunting the Discs

A humorous anecdote from Detroit describes a police sergeant whose dog pointed at four 'flying discs,' leading the sergeant to fire his gun, leaving only three.

Other Reports and Explanations

Various other sightings are mentioned: fluorescent balls over Birmingham, a spectacular glow and roar in Lodi, California, a flying saucer with legs reported by a Chicago woman, a disc with an American flag seen in Denver, and a saucer that disappeared rapidly near Tempe, Arizona. A report from Spokane, Washington, describes speeding shiny objects seen near St. Maries, Idaho. In New York, a couple saw an object flying above their backyard.

The Deadly Veil of Secrecy that Handicaps Serious UFO Investigation

This section, written by Ed Babcock Jr., discusses the perceived secrecy surrounding UFO investigations. It details correspondence with Senator Clifford P. Case, who was interested in the existence of UFOs. The Air Force, through Colonel George M. Lockhart, provided a standard denial, stating they possessed no classified information. However, the author contrasts this with 'official denials' and 'Air Force "Fact Sheets"' that suggest the opposite, citing the 'Lackland Air Force UFO document' which spoke of 'living intelligences far surpassing our own' and government concealment for public interest. The author questions the Air Force's motive for issuing conflicting statements, suggesting either confusion or a deliberate psychological purpose.

Tangible Evidence of UFO Reality?

This section explores potential physical evidence. It mentions molten tin from a UFO incident in Campinas, Brazil, in 1953, which was 100% pure. Another case from Ubatuba, Brazil, in 1957, involved a UFO exploding offshore, leaving behind fragments of 100% magnesium. The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) challenged the Air Force to analyze this material, but the Air Force's terms were deemed to involve censorship.

Air Force Censorship and Inconsistencies

The article criticizes the Air Force's handling of UFO reports, citing Major General Joe Kelly's contradictory statements to Congress regarding the release of NICAP's information. It also details how military investigative agencies allegedly requested and sometimes failed to return photos, negatives, and cameras, suggesting a pattern of evidence suppression. The author notes that airline pilots and former military personnel who report sightings often face skepticism and attempts to 'brainwash' them into doubting their experiences.

Official Air Force Admissions and UFO Investigator Report

Official Air Force admissions are listed: pilots pursue UFOs for security and technical aspects, they have fired on UFOs but policy is not to fire unless hostile, and UFO reports are withheld under 'Official Use Only' labels, backed by Joint Chiefs of Staff orders. The article questions the civilization's unwillingness to consider extraterrestrial possibilities. A significant piece is the reproduction of an 'Air Intelligence Information Report' concerning a UFO sighting by two Air Force officers in England in 1956, which includes a 'Destroy' order, indicating censorship.

The Press on Saucers: 1963 - Later Reports

This section includes a summary of the latest UFO reports from January to March 1963. Sightings include objects over Arkansas, California (including near McClellan Air Force Base), Illinois, Ohio, Italy (photographed with occupants), Australia (near-landing disc), and Hawaii (seen by hundreds, including military pilots). A separate report details a 'fireball meteor' seen over the East Coast.

Life Among the Stars?

This article, a reprint from The Atlanta Journal, discusses the scientific plausibility of extraterrestrial life. It references astronomers like Fred Hoyle and Harlow Shapley, who suggest that life is common in the universe, even if it takes strange forms. Dr. Shapley's calculations, based on the vast number of stars and the probability of planetary systems and habitable planets, suggest millions of potential life-bearing planets.

Life in Space Clues Found

This section reports on a discovery by three scientists (Drs. Meinschein, Hennessy, and Nagy) who analyzed meteorite fragments. They found a waxy hydrocarbon substance that was organic, suggesting it was formed through a biological process. They identified fossilized remains as single-cell animals, some unlike any known terrestrial organism, leading to the conclusion that 'wherever this meteorite originated something lived.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this compilation are the widespread nature of UFO sightings, the official investigations (often perceived as secretive or dismissive), scientific skepticism versus the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the alleged suppression of evidence by military and government agencies. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on the phenomenon with a critical eye towards official explanations, highlighting inconsistencies and advocating for transparency. There's a clear interest in presenting witness accounts alongside scientific and governmental perspectives, while also exploring the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial life.