UFO Magazine - vol 5 number 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO MAGAZINE
Issue: Volume 5, Number 4
Date: Winter 1969-1970
Publisher: UFO Magazine Publications
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of UFO Magazine, published quarterly, addresses a delay in its release due to an office move and minor surgery experienced by the editor. The publication announces a consolidation of efforts with the NEWS BULLETIN, aiming to provide a unified and conservative voice in the UFO field during a perceived lull in investigations following the Condon report and the cancellation of Project Blue Book.

Editorial Notes and Projects

The editors express hope that serious investigators will join their "filter center" project. This initiative, a collaboration between CAPIC and UFO Magazine, with the approval of the Congress of Scientific Ufologists and in conjunction with Dr. J. Allen Hynek of Northwestern University, aims to create a central point for receiving and disseminating UFO sighting information. The goal is to overcome the "communications gap" that often delays investigations, enabling researchers to respond more quickly to new reports. The project proposes that investigators be notified of sightings in their locality and offers to help outfit investigating teams if warranted. A special section in UFO Magazine will feature locations of sightings and investigated reports, with the publication function potentially being turned over to the C.S.U.'s JOURNAL.

The magazine also provides details for the 1970 Congress of Scientific Ufologists, scheduled for June 26-28, 1970, in Columbus, Ohio, with housing at the Christopher Inn and local sponsorship by the American Flying Saucer Investigations Committee.

Cover Story: The Tibbets Car Incident

The cover story details an incident on July 31, 1966, involving Douglas Tibbets, whose car became stuck in the sand at Peninsula (Beach Six), Pennsylvania, near Erie. A UFO supposedly touched down on the beach around 9:30 P.M. A "monster" was allegedly seen by the occupants of his car. The bottom photo on the cover shows Tibbets pointing to marks in the sand, which are claimed to have been made by the UFO's tripod landing gear.

Article: UFO and Psychic-Related Photography

Written by Allen H. Greenfield, this article provides a brief guide to UFO and psychic-related photography. It acknowledges the long history of both phenomena, citing early examples from the mid-19th century. Greenfield discusses the possibilities of fraud and mistake in such cases but also notes the potential for genuine evidence, referencing the McMinnville, Oregon case. He explores similarities between psychic photos and UFO photos and suggests that on-scene research can be enhanced by photographing witnesses and their surroundings. The article categorizes UFO and psychic photographs into two types: those where the manifestation is seen and photographed, and those where it appears on a photograph that was not seen at the time. It also provides practical advice for readers interested in attempting UFO photography, recommending specific gear like a 35mm camera with Tri-X Pan film, a tripod, and a telephoto lens, and emphasizing the importance of obtaining permission and informing local authorities.

Article: The Question of World-Wide Knowledge About UFOs

Robert S. Easley questions the widely accepted notion that UFO knowledge is global. Drawing on his experience as a member of the U.S. Navy, he conducted a survey in various Western Pacific ports, asking 100 English-speaking individuals in each location if they had heard or read about flying saucers. The results were surprisingly low, with the highest percentage being 15% in Taipei, Taiwan, and the lowest being 3% in Saigon, South Viet Nam. Easley cites Gray Barker, editor of SAUCER NEWS, who suggests that illiteracy and lack of access to media in underdeveloped nations contribute to this lack of awareness, and that people might dismiss unusual lights in the sky.

Article: Around and About the Saucer World

Rick Hilberg reflects on the accomplishments of civilian ufologists over the past twenty-three years, noting thousands of articles, investigations, and media appearances aimed at proving the existence of a UFO problem and advocating for impartial investigation. He quotes an editorial from the Los Angeles HERALD EXAMINER, which declared the Air Force's investigation of flying saucers officially closed after 21 years of "fruitless effort." The editorial argues that with humans on the moon, "fantastic reality has finally caught up with flights of fantasy." It states that the Air Force probed over 7000 reports since 1948 without finding evidence of danger or proof of UFO existence, thus deeming the program unjustifiable. The editorial concludes that while sightings will continue, public excitement has waned, and any future event, like an alien landing, would require television coverage to be believed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts a stance of serious, conservative investigation into UFO phenomena, seeking to provide a voice devoid of "sensational commercial drives." There is a clear emphasis on the need for organized, collaborative efforts like the proposed "filter center" to advance the field. The editors express concern over the "lull in UFO investigation" and the perceived lack of public and official interest, as highlighted by the Air Force's decision to cease its investigations. The issue also touches upon the intersection of UFOs with psychic phenomena and photography, suggesting a broader scope of inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for rigorous, scientific, and cooperative approaches to understanding UFOs, while acknowledging the challenges posed by public perception and official disinterest.