UFO Magazine - vol 1 number 5 - New Look

Magazine Overview

"new look" UFO MAGAZINE, Volume 1, Number 5, Summer 1963. This issue announces a shift to quarterly publication, aiming for better information gathering and presentation. The magazine is published by UFO Magazine Publications through URCU Press and edited by Ricky Hilberg.

Contents

"The UFO Mystery and it's Confusion"

This article by R.G. Mastroberte, Director F.S.R.O., addresses the difficulty in finding clear, consistent information about UFOs. Mastroberte highlights the wide range of names used for UFOs (aeroforms, discs, fireballs, foo fighters, UFOs, UFOBs) and the contradictory data regarding their speed (ranging from 15 mph to 1,396,800,000 mph) and size (from two inches to 500 feet, or the size of the Pentagon). The author criticizes the "unimportant 'junk'" and "unthinkable brainstorms" found in UFO literature, questioning propulsion methods like anti-gravity, atomic energy, psychic force, sound energy, etheric force, and resonating-electro-magnetic force. He also points out the absurdity of listed origins like "Planet Milikom" and "Quadra-Sector Blaau 4th." Mastroberte suggests that more sensible, straightforward thinking is needed. The article concludes with a quote from Keziah: "If any one of the thousands of sightings seen by mankind throughout the ages is true;than that alone would justify UFO investigations." The editor notes that while some material may seem conflicting, it must be combined to form a uniform picture.

News of the 1964 UFOlogy Congress

The issue provides details about the upcoming 1964 UFOlogy Congress, planned for July 1964 in Cleveland, Ohio. This event is described as a "summit conference" for UFOlogists, aiming to resolve conflicts and promote cooperation among researchers and groups. The United UFOlogical Association (UUA) has been instrumental in organizing this event, following two successful nationwide conference calls. The congress will be hosted by URCU and the Cleveland UFOlogy Project. The exact date will be announced in the fall when invitations are sent out. The event will span a weekend, include press and observers, and feature a documentary movie produced by the UUA.

UFO Sightings from Around the World

The magazine reports on several UFO sightings:

• Object Lands in Minn.: On June 3rd, a huge UFO landed briefly near Lyle, Minnesota, and then departed. Experts labeled it a meteor or satellite.
• Seen in Summer Skies: On May 15, 1963, residents in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida reported strange lights and unusual patterns. Elgin Air Force Base officials attributed these to "chemical trails" from research rockets. Allen Greenfield, chairman of the UUA Newspaper Committee, was among the witnesses.
• Well-Known Researcher Sees UFO: On May 5, 1963, Dale Rettig, Chairman of the IAPA, and other members observed a UFO that transformed from a disc with lights to a Saturn-shaped object at dusk. A Glenview Illinois Naval Air Station spokesman confirmed receiving numerous calls about the object, and a jet sent to investigate observed it dimming as the sun set.
• Unidentified Fallen Object: On May 8, 1963, the USAF and Indiana State Police recovered a 500-pound unidentified fallen object in North Vernon, Indiana. The cylindrical object, 18 to 24 inches in diameter and 6 to 7 feet long, was painted red and white and dropped by parachute. It had devices resembling meters but no numbering.
• More Falling Stuff: On May 7, 1963, a boomerang-shaped UFO, described as flimsy silk-like material, was seen over New Orleans. The U.S. Naval Air Station investigated, and a Weather Bureau forecaster observed the object and two smaller pieces that fell.
• Is It a Bomb or Saucer?: On July 25, 1963, Farmer Roy Blanchard of Charlton, Wiltshire, England, discovered an eight-foot crater in his field. It appeared about ten days prior and had metallic material underneath. Some believe a saucer landed, while others suggest it was an old bomb. Farmer Blanchard stated that something strange landed and took off, taking some of his potatoes and barley with it.

Book Review: "The World of Flying Saucers"

This section reviews "The World of Flying Saucers" by Menzel & Boyd, published by Doubleday. The authors describe the book as a "scientific examination of a major myth of the space age." However, the reviewer finds it to be more akin to a Buck Rogers comic book, offering "possible" explanations that are often described as "downright silly." The book is seen as targeting UFO investigators, portraying them as "scatter-brained, bug-eyed lovers of the unknown." The reviewer notes that the book explains classic cases through phenomena like temperature inversions and mistaken identity, citing the Dayton-ATIC sighting of 1952 as being caused by Venus and iced clouds. The book costs $4.50 and was released on August 2nd.

Editorial Comments and "Tickertape Report"

The "Editorial Desk" section discusses the magazine's quarterly schedule and invites reader letters. It highlights the energy of young researchers in UFOlogy and encourages support for the 1964 congress. The "Tickertape Report" provides brief news items, including Ricky Hilberg purchasing the rights to Harry Siebert's book "Flying Saucers and Men," researchers mysteriously disappearing, a URCU radio program called "The Saucers in The 60's," suggestions for a UFOlogist directory, and a mention of Joe Siminton's contactee claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing mystery surrounding UFOs, the efforts to organize and professionalize the field of UFOlogy through conferences and publications, and the reporting of various UFO sightings and incidents. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, as seen in Mastroberte's article questioning the quality of information available, while also advocating for the importance of UFO investigations and encouraging support for the organized UFOlogy community. There is a clear effort to present a range of information, from scientific skepticism in the book review to detailed sighting reports and news from UFO organizations.