UFO Magazine - vol 2 number 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO MAGAZINE
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 1 (Issue 5)
Date: 1964
Publisher: UFO Magazine Publications
Country: USA
Price: $1.00

This issue marks a significant transition for UFO Magazine as it adopts a new photo-offset format, aiming to enhance its visual content with maps, charts, and illustrations. The editorial expresses hope for increased reader support to sustain this venture, with plans to expand the magazine from twelve to twenty pages in the future. To encourage contributions, readers who provide outstanding information will receive a special prize, such as a free renewal or a book.

Editor's Notes and Contributions

The editor expresses frustration with NICAP's delayed six-year report to Congress, suggesting that Richard Hall's organization might be stalling, possibly due to the 1964 election year. The issue also covers the Congress of Scientific UFOlogists held in Cleveland, which, despite a good public turnout, lacked attendance from UFOlogy leaders. Mrs. A.S. Butterworth of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, is highlighted for winning a year's renewal for submitting numerous UFO clippings.

Reader Letters

Several readers share their thoughts. Glenn Barth from Cleveland, Ohio, believes there is less confusion about the UFO mystery than some suggest and hopes for the magazine's expansion. Ralph Mastroberte from Carlstadt, New Jersey, notes that the magazine's bulletin looks better than the previous one. Jeff Murray from Madera, California, expresses enjoyment of the magazine and mentions his contact with well-known saucer personalities like Gabe Green, Max B. Miller, and Gray Barker. He laments that younger UFOlogists often correspond with "doubtful individuals" and that contactees and "crackpots" receive more publicity than serious researchers.

"It's Monster Time Again!!!!"

This section discusses a recurring phenomenon of monster stories emerging each summer. It focuses on a nine-foot-tall creature reportedly seen roaming the countryside near Sister Lakes, Michigan, for several years. Described as having a black, leathery face and glowing eyes, the creature weighs around 500 pounds and is said to be grotesque. Tracks measuring 3 3/4 inches at the heel and over six inches at the ball of the foot have been reported. The creature is described as not vicious, preferring to run when confronted.

"The Link" by Allen Greenfield

Allen Greenfield explores the perceived connection between UFO phenomena and natural catastrophes. He notes that while many UFOlogists suspect links to events like airline crashes and volcanic eruptions, proof is often lacking. The article highlights the work of Japan's Cosmic Brotherhood Association (CBA), led by Yuseke J. Matsumura, which has investigated the relationship between earthquakes, UFOs, and other unusual aerial phenomena. Greenfield reviews CBA's findings, which suggest a correlation dating back to 1816, when a moon-shaped object was sighted during an earthquake in Great Britain. Subsequent reports from England, Cyprus, Algeria, and the United States detail UFO sightings coinciding with seismic events.

CBA proposes two key questions regarding this connection: (1) Do UFOs have an interest in earthquakes, possibly related to fluctuations in terrestrial magnetism? (2) Do UFOs cause earthquakes? The article presents a table of UFO-earthquake incidents recorded in 1960, with a significant number occurring in Japan, an area known for both high earthquake activity and UFO interest. Greenfield speculates that if the relationship is one of observation, it might be to study human reactions to disasters. He also touches upon other potential UFO connections, such as with airline disasters and ball lightning, citing a 1930 incident in Tokyo involving a "strange light" followed by a lightning display and an earthquake.

UFO Zooms Up From Highway

This brief report describes a UFO sighting on May 15th near Ashtabula, Ohio. A caller from California reported seeing an object take off from the side of Route 90. The object, described as large as a tractor truck, changed color to bright orange, hovered about eight feet off the ground, and then ascended to 300-400 feet before disappearing. The flame color became a blur as it zoomed into the sky. A semi-trailer rig driver also witnessed the event, and later, Air Force cars were reportedly seen near the landing area.

"The Orville Photo Hoax" by Earl J. Neff

Earl J. Neff, chairman of the Cleveland UFOlogy Project, recounts the investigation into a photograph that appeared to show a flying saucer. The photo, received anonymously with a postmark from Orville, Ohio, was broadcast on KYW's "Ufology Roundtable." Neff, a photography enthusiast, initially evaluated the print as genuine. However, after extensive investigation, including interest from NICAP and the Cleveland UFOlogy Project, two young men in Orville admitted to creating the hoax. They had previously attempted to photograph saucers, and one negative was lost, while another was confiscated. A detective agency's examination of the original negative revealed over a hundred small scratch marks, suggesting it was a staged photograph. The analysis also indicated the object was only about 18 inches in diameter and that the cornfield setting was plausible for hiding the photographer. The moral of the story emphasizes the importance of approaching the subject scientifically and objectively.

The Socorro Sighting

This section details the famous Socorro sighting in New Mexico. On April 24, 1964, city policeman Lonnie Zamora spotted an egg-shaped object with four girder-like legs landed in a draw near Socorro. He was attracted to the object while pursuing a speeding car. Zamora described the saucer as being as big as a car and shiny like aluminum. He also reported seeing a pair of white coveralls near the object, with no one visible inside. Despite claims that Zamora was told to keep quiet by the Air Force, the object quickly took off and disappeared from sight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and investigative approach to UFOlogy, as evidenced by the "Orville Photo Hoax" investigation and the emphasis on reader contributions and serious research. There's a clear stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, favoring evidence-based analysis. The exploration of UFO-earthquake correlations suggests an interest in uncovering deeper, potentially overlooked connections within the UFO phenomenon. The editorial also highlights the growing efforts to establish UFOlogy as a legitimate scientific field, with events like the Congress of Scientific UFOlogists playing a role in this development.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated August 1964, focuses on encouraging public participation in UFO observation and reporting, alongside detailing recent sightings and expert commentary. The cover prominently features a call to action for a nationwide skywatch event.

Late News

Committee to Open National Office The American UFO Committee announced plans to open its national headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. The office aims to more efficiently manage public relations through radio and press. To foster local support, the committee will organize meetings and lectures featuring well-known personalities in the UFO field. Interested individuals can write to the committee at 2007 Spruce Drive, Glenview, Illinois; the national address will be announced later.

UFO Magazine to Hold First Nationwide Skywatch UFO Magazine is sponsoring its first nationwide skywatch on August 15 and 16, 1964. Readers are encouraged to spend time outdoors looking for UFOs and to have cameras ready to photograph any sightings. The magazine hopes other groups and publications will join this effort. Reports of any UFO sightings should be sent to Skywatch, UFO MAGAZINE, 3403 West 119th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44111, or by calling (216) 251-8206.

Hynek "Puzzled" Over Lack of Radar Contact in Flap

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, chief Air Force scientist on UFOlogy, expressed his bewilderment regarding the elusiveness of flying saucers from radar during a recent 'flap' in the Southwest. Hynek stated his intention to investigate whether radar contacts might correlate with these reports, especially given the prevalence of radar equipment in New Mexico. He described the Zamora report as one of the best substantiated, though he hesitated to call it the 'clearest.' A possible explanation offered for the Zamora sighting is that the UFO might have been too low to be detected by radar and could have ascended at a high rate of speed, quickly moving out of radar range.

Colorado Youth Sights UFO

Leonard Jiminez reported sighting an oval-shaped UFO moving at high altitude southwest of Pueblo, Colorado. He described the object as very shiny and emitting a 'real funny whirring noise.' This sighting is noted as the first reported UFO over Colorado in approximately ten years, occurring on May 1, 1964.

Mystery Light Over San Francisco

On May 10, a mysterious red light was observed drifting through the sky over the East Bay near San Francisco. Dozens of residents described the light as resembling a red flare, originating from the direction of the Sacramento Valley and moving northeast to southwest at an altitude of about 30 degrees. An air traffic controller at Oakland Airport noted the light was moving very slowly, comparable to a balloon. The object remained visible for nearly 25 minutes.

Montana UFO Leaves Marks

The sheriff's office in Helena, Montana, is investigating marks left on the ground by a UFO on April 29. Newsmen and investigators examined an area east of Helena, along the shoreline of Canyon Ferry Lake on the Missouri River. They discovered four holes, spaced about 13 feet apart, measuring 6 to 8 inches deep and 8 to 10 inches across. According to one newsman, the holes had a smell like diesel fuel. A circular area on the top of the underbrush appeared to be seared.

An eleven-year-old girl described the object as a 'bright glow.' The Air Force suggested the marks were the result of a prank by youths trying to scare the girl, a conclusion the magazine criticizes, stating the AF cannot discredit Lonnie Zamora and resorts to discrediting children.

Press Time Bulletin

Author Frank Scully, known for his book "BEHIND THE FLYING SAUCERS," which generated significant debate about crashed saucers, has passed away. Scully had previously been associated with the Giant Rock 'crackpot' gathering in California.

Send in Articles!

The publication expresses a desire to significantly expand its content in future issues and invites readers to submit articles on any aspect of saucers, with the possibility of winning a prize.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly advocates for public involvement in UFO observation and reporting, as evidenced by the nationwide skywatch initiative. There is a clear interest in investigating UFO phenomena, as shown by the reporting on Dr. Hynek's efforts and the detailed accounts of various sightings. The editorial stance appears critical of official explanations that dismiss witness accounts, particularly highlighting the Air Force's explanation for the Montana incident and contrasting it with their inability to discredit the Zamora report. The magazine also positions itself as a platform for sharing information and encouraging reader contributions, aiming to build a community around the study of UFOs.