UFO Magazine

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Magazine
Issue: Volume 4 Number 3
Date: March, 1967
Publisher: UFO Magazine Publications
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of UFO Magazine focuses on recent UFO activity in the Midwest, particularly in Illinois and Kansas, alongside editorials and articles discussing the scientific study of UFOs and the implications of potential alien contact.

More Midwestern UFO Activity Reported

The lead article details numerous UFO sightings reported in West-Central Illinois and Northwest Kansas on March 9th. A Goodland, Kansas policeman described an object that was brilliantly white with red and amber lights, making a roaring sound. In Illinois, Frank Courson, a Knox County deputy sheriff and pilot, reported observing a 'bluish white' object with 'pulsating red' lights over Galesburg. He estimated its size at 35 feet in diameter and its altitude at 2000 feet. The object emitted a hissing sound and released a 'white beam of light' that hit the ground with a flash. Later that afternoon, near Moline, Illinois, policeman William Fisher spotted two UFOs, one described as the size of a boxcar, hovering at 3000 feet. Fisher photographed the objects with color motion picture film. The report also mentions sightings by other individuals, including students at Sacred Heart Elementary School. A separate, older report from February 9th near Goddard, Kansas, by Wes Herbert, describes strange lights that flashed and caused an abandoned house to catch fire. The McConnell Air Force Base stated they had no visual or electronic indication of any objects in the vicinity.

Editorial

The editorial expresses satisfaction with serious attempts to scientifically investigate UFOs, noting that too little has been done in the twenty-year history of Ufology. It highlights the work of the Flying Saucer Investigating Committee (FSIC) of Akron, Ohio, which is using 2x2 slides with defraction gratings to analyze UFO light spectra. The goal is to identify UFOs by their spectra, potentially distinguishing them from natural phenomena like marsh gas or plasma clouds. The editorial encourages readers to obtain their own defraction grids, which UFO Magazine is offering for 25¢ plus postage.

The editorial then addresses a critique from Allen Greenfield's "Saucer Commentary" regarding UFO Magazine's January editorial about the "Con & Con Criticism: 1967 Congress." Greenfield accused UFO Magazine of "rank petty action" and "small-time thinking." The editorial staff refutes this, asserting their commitment to Ufology's well-being and their support for the 1967 Congress, noting that editor Hilberg is a founder of the current Congress organization. They defend the organization of past congresses, particularly the 1964 and 1965 sessions, which were largely managed by Hilberg, and describe the 1966 Congress as running smoothly with provided luxuries for delegates. The editorial questions Greenfield's own actions, suggesting his refusal to attend until the end of the 1966 Congress due to "criticisms" was also "petty action."

The Unanswered Question

Karl Gawell's article explores the persistent question of why, if UFOs have been observing Earth for thousands of years, they have not made direct contact. Gawell posits that the answer lies in applying the situation to ourselves and considering how a more advanced race might interact with a less developed one. He suggests that a more advanced race would likely observe and study us without interfering, to avoid the harm that often results from contact between civilizations of different developmental stages. The article draws parallels to historical instances where contact led to the subjugation or destruction of the less advanced society. Gawell believes that humanity is approaching a point where contact might be possible without significant harm, but emphasizes the need for continued surveillance and preparation, as aliens might eventually initiate contact on their own terms.

Other Content

• Items for Sale: The magazine lists several items for sale, including "Ufology: An Informal Survey" (50¢), "Saucer Album #1" (50¢), and "*INTERRUPTED JOURNEY*" (special $5.00). Back issues of UFO Magazine are available for 25¢ each, with specific issues listed from Fall 1964 to February 1967.
• Subscription Information: UFO Magazine is published monthly by UFO Magazine Publications, with subscriptions costing $2.00 yearly in the U.S. and Canada, and $3.00 elsewhere.
• Upcoming Article: Part two of Steve Erdmann's article was postponed due to space limitations and will appear in the April issue.
• Renewal Notice: Readers are reminded to look out for renewal notices to ensure uninterrupted service.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to participate through observation and analysis of light spectra. The magazine positions itself as a proponent of serious ufological research and critical thinking, as evidenced by its defense against criticisms regarding its stance on UFO congresses. There is a clear theme of preparing for potential alien contact, framed through a lens of cautious observation and scientific understanding rather than immediate engagement. The editorial stance is one of active engagement with the subject matter, encouraging reader participation and providing resources for further study.