UFO MAGAZINE

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Magazine
Issue: Volume 3 Number 2
Date: Winter, 1965-1966
Publisher: UFO Magazine Publications
Price: 25¢

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated Winter 1965-1966, features a prominent cover image of a flying saucer and the headline "IT'S TIME TO THINK SERIOUSLY ABOUT UFOS" by Allen Greenfield. The magazine delves into the serious nature of the UFO phenomenon, advocating for responsible research and public education.

Editorial Stance and Publisher's Message

The editorial, written by Rick R. Hilberg, addresses the need for responsible publishing within the UFO field, urging editors to verify facts and avoid deliberate falsification. It also discusses the occasional necessity of pseudonyms and the importance of focusing on issues rather than personalities, adhering to an ethical code.

A significant portion of the editorial is a direct appeal for financial support. The magazine is facing a cash shortage that has delayed the publication of Allen Greenfield's book, "Ufology: An Informal Survey." Readers are offered a special deal: a one-year renewal of their UFO Magazine subscription plus "Saucer Album #1" for 75¢, or "Ufology: An Informal Survey" plus "Saucer Album #2" for $1.00. These offers are presented as a way for readers to help get the book published quickly.

The editorial also recounts the editor's attendance at UFO-related gatherings in Chicago and Amherst, Wisconsin, where he met with other prominent figures in the field, including Allen Greenfield, Jim Moseley, Gene Steinberg, Dale Rettig, Jaques Vallee, and Ray Palmer. These meetings are highlighted as crucial for advancing the subject of ufology.

Letters to the Editor

Several readers express their appreciation for the magazine. Lucius Farish of Plumerville, Arkansas, commends the summary of August sightings. Jim Latta of Winnsboro, Texas, praises the magazine for focusing on sightings and contacts rather than editor rivalries. Stephen Anderson of Rockford, Illinois, questions the Air Force's explanations for recent sightings, such as attributing them to stars, space junk, or mass hallucinations, arguing that these explanations are insufficient and that reliable people do not simply imagine phenomena.

Commentary: "It's Time to Think Seriously About UFOs" by Allen Greenfield

Allen Greenfield's commentary stresses the profound seriousness of the UFO phenomenon, warning that those involved may be on the verge of a major historical discovery. He points out that despite years of research, the exact nature of the phenomenon remains largely unknown, and no single theory adequately explains all the evidence. Greenfield suggests that a new theory or a combination of existing ones might be needed. He also notes the undercurrent of serious concern within "orthodox" scientific circles and the potential for public insecurity if the full facts were widely known. He advocates for educating the public without causing undue fear, emphasizing that while something strange is happening, the specifics are still a matter of personal opinion.

Greenfield criticizes the tendency towards triviality and the lack of seriousness in the field, calling for more industriousness and activists. He proposes the creation of an annual award for significant contributions to ufology, funded by a registration fee for those seeking eligibility. He invites interested individuals to contact him regarding this proposal.

Ufology in Retrospect: Part 1 by Robert W. Miller

Robert W. Miller begins a historical overview of unidentified flying objects, tracing sightings back to the 17th century. He recounts his personal journey into ufology, starting with newspaper articles in 1947 that led him to form the United Federal Observers, which later merged to become the United Saucer Council of Ohio. Miller acknowledges the support of key figures like Rick Hilberg, Allen Greenfield, Major Donald Keyhoe, and Coral E. Lorenzen.

The article lists numerous historical sightings, including a luminous cloud over Switzerland in 1704, strange balls of light in Italy in 1731, an octagonal object in Norway in 1752, and numerous other aerial phenomena across Europe and North America up to 1897. Miller emphasizes that these sightings, often dismissed as natural phenomena, suggest the presence of unknown craft maneuvering in Earth's atmosphere.

He then focuses on the post-1947 era, beginning with the famous Kenneth Arnold sighting on June 24, 1947. Arnold's description of "saucer-like" objects led to the popular term "flying saucer." Miller discusses the impact of this sighting and the subsequent rise in public interest, leading to the formation of organizations like the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) by Coral Lorenzen.

The article details the mysterious case of Captain Thomas Mantell, who died in 1948 while investigating a UFO. Despite the Air Force's explanation of a balloon, investigators found no balloon launchings in the area, and the case was officially labeled "Unknown."

Miller also presents the case of Captain Peter Killian, who in 1959 observed unidentified lights from his airliner, which were also seen by other planes. The official explanation was "stars of Orion," but the article suggests this was an inadequate explanation.

Eyewitness Reports and Photographic Evidence

The magazine includes several eyewitness accounts from pilots and passengers who have reported seeing UFOs. These include Captain Richard Case, Captain Richard Adickles, Captain James Howard, Captain W.B. Nash, and Flight Lieutenant J.R. Salandin, all of whom describe controlled, intelligently maneuvered craft of unknown origin.

Photographic evidence is also discussed, including the famous photographs taken on Trinidade Island in 1958, which were labeled a hoax despite eyewitness accounts and the developed film. Another case involves a U.S. Coast Guard photographer in Salem, Massachusetts, who captured images of lights in a "V" formation, which were dismissed as "sea gulls."

The article suggests that these incidents, along with others, point to a pattern of unexplained phenomena and potential cover-ups by authorities. It concludes by stating that "we're being watched by beings from outer space."

Advertisement: AMUFO

An advertisement provides vital information about the American UFO Committee (AMUFO), founded in October 1963 through a merger of earlier groups. AMUFO's purpose is open-minded investigation, public education, and fostering a dynamic spirit within ufology, encouraging cooperation among responsible organizations. Its directors include Allen Greenfield, Ricky Hilberg, Allan Manak, and Dale Rettig. Benefits of membership include a subscription to the "American UFO Committee Review" and, for special division members, the "Inner Circle Bulletin." Membership is available for $2.00 per year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the seriousness and critical importance of the UFO phenomenon, the need for rigorous and responsible research, the questioning of official explanations, and the call for greater public awareness and active participation from researchers. The magazine adopts a stance that UFOs represent a significant, potentially world-altering mystery that demands serious investigation, free from triviality and undue skepticism, while acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and potential threats. The editorial emphasizes a commitment to truth and education, urging readers to move beyond armchair theorizing to active engagement in the field.