UFO Newsletter no 10

Magazine Overview

Title: UFC NEWSLETTER
Issue: #10
Date: 26 November 1957
Publisher: Lee R. Munsick
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of UFC NEWSLETTER, dated November 26, 1957, is the tenth edition and is presented in an "EXCLUSIVE NEW EASY-TO-READ FORMAT!" The cover prominently features the tagline "'Flying Saucers' Are Real - Tell Your Friends About UFO NEWSLETTER * U.F.O. - Unidentified Flying Objects."

Departments

The "DEPARTMENTS" section includes Editorials, Letters, a segment titled "The Fourth Estate: Who D'Ya Read?" by The Press, "Who's Who in Ufology: Jose' Faria," Book Reviews, and News Notes.

Articles

The "ARTICLES" section features several pieces: "UFOs...Ghosts for Tomorrow?" by Alexander D. Mebane, "Unidentified Flying Objects" by Jerry Verlin, "Pre-Jet Sonic Booms" by HAYNES GUIDE, "The UFOs and Proof" by Richard Hall, and "Objects Seen at the Telescope" by Rene' A. Wurgel.

News Items

"NEWS ITEMS" covers the formation of a "New Group," "Religion & Flying Saucers," and "Strange Things Fall - From...?"

Sightings

The "SIGHTINGS" section includes "Jersey UFO Sighting," "Two Clouds Or Two Saucers," and "1957's Winter 'Flap'."

Notices

"NOTICES" announces "Coming - A Special SES Edition" and "Status of Subscriptions."

An "INSERT" provides a "Magazine Subscription List."

Editorials

The lead editorial, "SPUTTERING OVER SPUTNIKS," by Lee R. Munsick, addresses the Soviet launch of Sputnik. Munsick expresses that while the event is a political victory for the USSR, it should also serve as a wake-up call for the United States to prioritize science and research. He notes that German rocket experts were crucial to the Soviet program and criticizes the US government's perceived apathy and bureaucratic hurdles in its own space and missile programs. He also touches upon the scientific fiction community's awareness of these potentials and contrasts it with the "apathy" of some segments of the American public, including certain religious groups and "contact" proponents who he believes are overly optimistic and ignore potential dangers.

Munsick suggests that the Sputnik launch should encourage Americans to become more informed and less apathetic. He also criticizes the US government's handling of scientific research and investigations, suggesting that the judicial branch's frequent missteps might be mirrored in other branches. He recommends that those with a complacent attitude should consult with military leaders like General Curtis LeMay or General Thomas Powers, or at least consider the importance of the Strategic Air Command in maintaining peace. He also issues a warning to UFO enthusiasts in the Washington D.C. area, suggesting it could be a prime target in case of conflict and advising them to perhaps relocate to the West Coast.

He concludes by stating he was not surprised by Sputnik and anticipates future events that will further indicate Russia's capabilities. He expresses hope that the President's efforts to disseminate information will lead to a change of heart and mind, though he doubts UFOs will be mentioned. He references Nevil Shute's book "On the Beach" as a potential epitaph for the modern world and urges readers to be realistic about saucers, distinguishing between what is real and what is not.

New Format

The newsletter announces its "NEW FORMAT AGAIN," explaining that this is the second issue printed with a unique layout that allows readers to view the entire magazine on the right-hand page, eliminating the need to turn pages back and forth. Readers are invited to provide feedback on this innovation.

Regrets

Mr. Munsick announces his return to radio in eastern Pennsylvania after a leave of absence in Washington, where he assisted Major Donald E. Keyhoe with the "UFO INVESTIGATOR." Correspondence should now be sent to his Morristown, N.J. address.

Magazine Subscriptions and Christmas Gifts

This section promotes a service where readers can subscribe to various American magazines through UFO NEWSLETTER at low cost. The profits from this service are reinvested in the publication. It suggests magazine subscriptions as ideal holiday gifts and offers special Christmas rates, including a $2.25 rate for the first gift subscription to UFO NEWSLETTER and $2.00 for each additional gift.

New United Kingdom Payment Arrangement

This section details a new payment arrangement for readers in the Sterling area, authorized by the Bank of England, allowing for direct subscription payments to UFO NEWSLETTER. It provides rates for individual copies and ten-copy subscriptions.

Guest Editorial

The "GUEST EDITORIAL" by UFO CRITICAL BULLETIN, likely Jose' Escobar Faria, discusses the nature of press coverage regarding saucer investigations. It distinguishes UFO publications from sensationalist magazines, emphasizing the need for technical accuracy and a serious approach. The author criticizes editors who focus on "impressive cases" and urges them to maintain a "severe watch" on their statements and attitudes, denouncing mystifications and cranks. Ten points are listed for true saucer investigators: honesty, open-mindedness, scholarship, reliability, avoiding sensationalism and rumors, not being a merchant of UFOs, not prejudging saucers, repressing nonsense, and maintaining a technical mind.

A news brief from Karachi, Pakistan, reports on oversize hailstones killing 32 people.

Letters to the Editor

Gerrie Lee Fink from Trenton, New Jersey, praises the newsletter as informative and in good taste.

Richard Hall from New Orleans, Louisiana, comments on the new format and the "Primer in Ufology," suggesting that much of the existing UFO literature is irrelevant. He advocates for a critical but not dogmatic approach to UFOs and stresses the importance of presenting factual information.

The editor responds to Richard Hall, clarifying that the newsletter aims to make readers think rather than dictate conclusions, and that its focus is on "ufology" rather than just specific UFO reports. The editor also notes that they have absorbed Hall's former publication, "SATELLITE," and Leonard Stringfield's "CRIFO ORBIT."

An unnamed contributor from South America expresses pleasure with the newsletter's policy of sober, non-sensationalist, and evidence-based reporting, aligning it with their own publication, "UFO CRITICAL BULLETIN."

Jose Escobar Faria, Editor of UFO CRITICAL BULLETIN, emphasizes the need for technical and scientific support in UFO research and criticizes the field for being crowded with "crackpots, dunces, maniacs, profiteers, carpetbaggers." He calls for a "conjugated action" to clean up the UFO field.

Edith Hegi from New Milford, New Jersey, recounts a personal experience of seeing a "huge, round-shaped, orange-red object" that appeared to be a "highly charged magnetic sphere" vibrating with energy.

C. Lew Beachler, President of the Akron UFO Research Association, writes about the shift from the term "flying saucers" to "Outer Space Craft" (OSC) or "Unidentified Flying Objects" (UFO), advocating for a more realistic approach to the subject.

Articles (Continued)

"UFOS...GHOSTS FOR TOMORROW?" by Alexander D. Mebane, compares the evidence for ghosts and saucers. Mebane argues that while more people report seeing ghosts, the evidence for saucers is more substantial. He criticizes the tendency to dismiss UFOs based on prejudice, similar to how ghosts are dismissed, attributing this to early indoctrination. He suggests that the UFO phenomenon is becoming less taken seriously and that research needs to achieve scientific acceptance soon to survive.

Alexander D. Mebane is described as an organic chemist and Administrative Vice President of Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York. He is noted for his cautious, analytical, and skeptical scientific mind.

"UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS" by Jerry Verlin, discusses the growing serious interest in UFOs, particularly among younger people. Verlin notes that many UFO researchers are in their early 30s or younger and are highly capable. He presents his report as a research project from his time in a Philadelphia high school. Verlin states that he has never seen a flying saucer but argues that this does not negate their existence, citing government attention and radar sightings. He emphasizes that not all "saucers" are seen by crackpots and that the government has attempted to categorize these sightings.

Advertisements

Advertisements appear for "UFOLOGY NEWS," describing it as a source for news of the unknown and facts about UFOs, and recommending it as essential for researchers. Another advertisement is for the "UFO Study Group" in Indianapolis, detailing its membership and bulletin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the growing interest in UFOs, the need for a serious and scientific approach to their study, and the contrast between genuine research and sensationalism or "crackpot" theories. The editorial stance, particularly from Lee R. Munsick and the guest editorial, emphasizes a critical, evidence-based methodology, urging readers to think for themselves and avoid succumbing to prejudice or unfounded beliefs. The issue also reflects the geopolitical context of the Cold War, with the Sputnik launch serving as a catalyst for discussions on national scientific priorities and capabilities. There is a clear effort to elevate the study of UFOs beyond mere speculation and into a more respected field of inquiry.

This issue of UFO NEWSLETTER, identified as issue number 10, focuses on the complex topic of "proof" concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The cover prominently features the title "THE UFOS AND PROOF" by Richard Hall, suggesting a deep dive into the evidence and logical arguments surrounding the phenomenon. The publication aims to dissect official explanations and present a case for the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs.

Point I: Radar Sightings and Inversion Layers

The article begins by addressing explanations for radar sightings, particularly those attributed to "low inversion layers." It critiques this explanation by highlighting its limitations: inversion layers are rare, occur under specific atmospheric conditions, and typically produce a "soft blip" on radar, whereas UFOs are said to cause a "hard blip." This suggests that "low inversion layers" are an insufficient explanation for all radar-observed UFO phenomena.

Point II: Military Pilot Reports

This section discusses reports from top Air Force pilots who claim UFOs could outmaneuver their planes. The government's inability to provide a satisfactory explanation is noted, with a sarcastic suggestion that "experts" might be attributing these sightings to the planet Venus.

Point III: Commercial Airline Crew Sightings

Reports from mature and responsible commercial airline crews are also examined. The government's explanations for these sightings are varied, including misidentification of wing lights, military aircraft, chasing Venus, or temporary hallucinations. The author expresses skepticism about the government's ability to explain how a plane could achieve speeds of 0 to 10,000 miles per hour in 12 seconds, implying a potential advanced technology behind some UFOs.

Point IV: Civilian vs. Official Explanations

A statistical breakdown by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) reveals that 57.08% of all sightings are reported by civilians. The article questions the government's "scientific" explanations for these sightings, contrasting them with historical scientific errors. ATIC's breakdown of explanations for sightings shows: Balloons (21.3%), Aircraft (16.0%), Astronomical phenomena (20.0%), Other unexplainable phenomena (5.7%), Unknown (21.0%), and Insufficient data for evaluation (16.0%). The author notes that 20% of unexplained phenomena is a significant figure.

The Nature of Proof and UFOs

Richard Hall's article, "THE UFOS AND PROOF," forms a central part of this issue. He defines "proof" not just as direct physical evidence but as a logical demonstration. Hall argues that UFOs present a unique phenomenon due to their consistent shape (circular), hovering capabilities, sharp turns, and astounding acceleration. He dismisses the "no physical evidence" argument as a way to avoid confronting the issue. Hall proposes a logical framework to demonstrate that UFOs are extraterrestrial space-ships, based on premises such as UFOs being real, solid, generally circular, intelligently controlled, and not manufactured on Earth. He outlines a logical construction using premises and symbolic logic (Conjunction, Modus Ponens) to arrive at the conclusion that UFOs are space-ships.

He provides examples of evidence for these premises, including radar blips, "silver rain," jet pursuits, and government denials. Hall asserts that while direct proof of crashed saucers is lacking, a logical argument can establish that UFOs are real and that the highest probability points to them being space-ships, unless they can be proven to be secret terrestrial devices.

Jersey UFO Sighting

A specific incident is reported from Highland Park, New Jersey, where two individuals independently saw a fiery ball and a shower of sparks on November 21st. Newark Airport and the Trenton Filter Center reported no objects, but a Brown University astronomer described a meteor of "intense brilliance" in the southern sky.

Coming: A Special SF-FS Edition

An announcement is made for a future issue dedicated to the intersection of "Science Fiction and Flying Saucers" (SF-FS). This special edition will explore how science fiction magazines have covered UFOs and will feature contributions from experts in the field, including Hans Stefan Santesson and Allan Howard.

Pre-Jet Sonic Booms and Skyquakes

This section discusses the phenomenon of "Sky Quakes," often attributed to sonic booms but sometimes appearing unconnected to them. Reports of these strange sounds are widespread, including in Great Britain and various US metropolitan areas. The article notes that the Air Force generally denies these are caused by their planes. It recounts reports from Yellowstone National Park, including unusual sky rumblings in 1924 and a fatal lightning bolt incident in 1885, suggesting a possible electrical origin for some of these phenomena.

Two Clouds - Or Two Saucers

This article revisits early UFO-like reports from 1932, describing two odd clouds. One was a narrow, tenuous cloud in Algonquin Park, Ontario, that produced a continuous, loud rumbling sound, which the observer, John Zeleny, attributed to agitated air currents. Another encounter described a luminous cloud in Hutchinson, Minnesota, in 1898, which attracted a shower of insects upon passing overhead. These historical accounts are presented as early examples of unexplained aerial phenomena.

The Fourth Estate: Press Reaction to UFO Developments

This section analyzes how the press, specifically Scripps-Howard Staff Writers, covered UFO developments. Two articles, appearing within months of each other, are compared. Both discuss the quantity of sightings by trained pilots and the Air Force's official policy. However, they differ significantly in tone and fact. One article, "Take Your Pick" by Jim G. Lucas, reports on airline pilots seeing five to 10 flying saucer sightings nightly and discusses efforts to speed up reporting procedures. It notes that pilots are instructed not to discuss sightings publicly. The article also mentions an increase in sightings in the North Atlantic, coinciding with increased oil slicks and submarines, and presents two typical reports: one of a saucer descending from the stratosphere and another of a strange object with portholes flying alongside a Northwest Airlines plane.

Report on Unexplained Objects Seen at the Telescope

Rene A. Wurgel, a retired mechanical engineer and amateur astronomer, reports an observation made in the summer of 1954 near Rapid City, South Dakota. While observing the moon, he noted an object moving from West to East, which he tracked for several seconds. He contacted Ellsworth Air Force Base, where a friend on duty confirmed no planes were flying that night, and the local Ground Observer Corps reported no aircraft in the area. Wurgel emphasizes that he was not drinking, hallucinating, or prone to looking for extraterrestrial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of evidence and proof concerning UFOs, the inadequacy of official explanations, and the presentation of logical arguments for their extraterrestrial origin. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical examination of official narratives and a belief in the reality of UFOs as a significant, unexplained phenomenon, likely of non-terrestrial origin. The publication actively seeks to provide a platform for detailed reports and reasoned analysis, as evidenced by the inclusion of articles by experienced observers and logical investigators, and its commitment to exploring the intersection of UFOs with science fiction.

Title: UFO NEWSLETTER
Issue: 23
Volume: 3
Date: 7 June 1954

This issue of UFO NEWSLETTER delves into the ongoing mystery of flying saucers, exploring a reported decline in sightings, official investigations, and various related phenomena and personalities within the Ufology community.

Flying Saucer Mystery and Air Force Investigations

The lead article by Robert Crater questions why flying saucer reports dwindled from 1700 in 1952 to 87 in the current year. Capt. Robert White of the Air Force suggests less publicity and a lack of sensational events as reasons. Despite the decrease, the Air Force maintains 75 special cameras for potential sightings. Capt. White notes that most sightings are explained as routine objects, with only about one in ten remaining unexplained. The article also touches on a rumor involving Air Secretary Harold E. Talbott spotting a saucer, which he denied, stating he had ample opportunity to see one if they existed. Gen. Nathan Twining confirms the Air Force is still studying reports with its best minds. Radar operators at National Airport, who reported strange blips in 1952, are mentioned, with the explanation that these were planes practicing landings.

Profiles of UFO Researchers

Jose' Escobar Faria: The issue features a profile of Jose' Escobar Faria, born in Brazil in 1914. A lawyer by profession, Faria is also a journalist and an ardent investigator of unidentified flying objects. He co-founded the "Centro de Pesquisa dos Discos Voadore" (CPDV) in Sao Paulo in 1956 and directed its magazine, O DISCO VOADOR, which was also published in English as THE FLYING SAUCER. He later withdrew from CPDV to publish his own magazine, UFO CRITICAL BULLETIN. Faria advocates for strict objectivity and is critical of "saucer-psychical researches." He has publicly challenged Professor Joao de Freitas Guimaraes' claims of contact with space beings.

Leonard H. Stringfield: A review of Leonard H. Stringfield's book, "INSIDE SAUCER POST ...3-0 BLUE," highlights his long-standing involvement in Ufology. Stringfield, director of Civilian Research, Interplanetary Flying Objects, and head of another Cincinnati UFO group, previously published the NEWSLETTER and C.R.I.F.O. ORBIT. The review praises his book as a significant work, combining UFO reports with a study of Ufology and its key figures. It suggests the book clarifies the connection between Stringfield and the Air Force. The review also points out Stringfield's assertion that the Air Force is acting in bad faith regarding UFOs, citing instances of threats and doubletalk used against those pursuing information.

Strange Phenomena and the "1957 Winter Flap"

Several unusual events are reported:

• Falling Ice: In Pennsylvania, mysterious ice chunks of varying sizes have been falling from the sky, with government agencies like the CAA and Public Health Service investigating without a definite conclusion. The involvement of the Public Health Service raises questions about potential dangers beyond mere physical impact.
• Cobwebs in New Mexico: The town of Portales experienced a blanketing of silky threads, some up to 50 feet long, attributed to atmospheric dust particles creating static charges. Similar occurrences were reported in Bakersfield and Fresno, California.
• "1957 Winter Flap": This section details a period of increased UFO reports, noting that decent UFO reports ran full-scale on newswires after the Levelland, Texas, sightings. The article criticizes "contact" people for sensationalizing the news. It mentions Howard Menger's new picture and claims of Venusian landings, and a story from Nebraska about a "spacecraft" visit. Professor Menzel's "mirage" explanation for the Texas sightings is also mentioned, along with a case of a UFO tracked by radar from a U.S. Coast Guard cutter.

Book Reviews

"FADS & FALLACIES, IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE" by Martin Gardner: This book is reviewed as providing background material on various unusual interests, including Ufology. However, the reviewer strongly criticizes Gardner's treatment of the flying saucer section, deeming it close-minded and based on misinterpreted or misquoted facts. The reviewer argues that Gardner dismisses credible evidence and should study less extreme, more qualified researchers.

"MAN INTO SPACE" by Hermann Oberth: This book by Professor Oberth, a member of the U.S. Army Missile team, is highly praised. It covers Oberth's ideas on space travel, rocketry, and the governing factors of space flight, debunking the notion that space is bitterly cold. Oberth emphasizes temperature regulation through radiation and discusses the potential for extreme temperature fluctuations. The book also addresses the dangers of meteors and cosmic dust, suggesting they are often exaggerated. Oberth's philosophy on science and his views on potential life on Mars are also highlighted. The review notes the book's detailed descriptions of spacesuits and the ingenious "Project Arcturus IV" system at MIT designed to encourage scientific thinking.

News Notes

• Walt Disney's "Mars and Beyond": A special film release discussing Martian theories, including UFOs, Mars exploration, and life on Mars.
• Jules B. St. Germain: An attorney and UFO investigator who cooperated on the Howard Menger investigation and wrote an article on the "Strange Affair at Highbridge" for ARGOSY magazine. He also won an upset decision in a New Jersey court case.
• Orson Welles and Sputnik: In Kelowna, British Columbia, a radio broadcast of Welles' "War of the Worlds" caused listeners to mistake reports of Sputnik for an alien invasion.
• Ion Beam Propulsion: The Air Force is investigating ion beams for space ship propulsion, which could significantly decrease interplanetary travel time.
• Madawaska, Maine Sighting: Town Manager Adrian O. Jacques reported seeing a high-speed, bat-wing-shaped object.
• Kenneth Arnold's Suggestion: Arnold proposed building full-scale UFO models in remote Australian areas to decoy genuine UFOs for study.
• "FANTASTIC UNIVERSE" Magazine: Features articles on UFOs, including "Smells from the Sky" and "Continents in Space."
• Dr. Wernher von Braun: Received the U.S. Army's highest civilian decoration for his role in creating the Jupiter Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile.
• Moonwatch Team Sighting: A team reported seeing the Russian satellite rocket fall, though it was suggested to be a meteorite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of flying saucers, the efforts of the Air Force and other agencies to investigate and explain sightings, and the role of various individuals and organizations within the Ufology community. There is a clear editorial stance favoring objective, evidence-based research, as seen in the criticism of "contactees" and the review of Martin Gardner's book. The publication also promotes the work of organizations like NICAP and encourages reader engagement with the press on UFO matters. The issue highlights the intersection of Ufology with broader scientific and technological advancements, particularly in space travel and rocketry.

This issue of UFO Investigator, dated May 1958 (Vol. 2, No. 5), focuses on a variety of topics related to unexplained phenomena, scientific advancements, and future possibilities. The cover headline highlights "RELIGION & FLYING SAUCERS," indicating a significant portion of the content is dedicated to UFO reports and related discussions.

Gravity Research Foundation Awards

The issue reports on the Gravity Research Foundation's 1957 Essay Awards, announced in New Boston, New Hampshire. The first prize was awarded to Dr. Thomas Gold of Harvard, a leading astronomer, and Dr. Phillip Morrison, a Cornell University physicist. George Rideout, President of the Foundation, and Roger Babson, its founder, were present. Babson noted changes in the submitted essays over the years and suggested that atomic arrangements in alloys could produce gravitational differentials for power generation. He was also impressed by the Princeton group's view that sub-atomic particles might offer a way to balance gravity.

Afternoon speakers at Gravity Village included Agnew H. Bahnson of the Institute of Field Physics, Joel E. Fisher who described an experiment with a rotating magnetic field producing a gravitational effect, and H. Dwight Carle, Dean of Keene Teachers College, who spoke on "Gravity and the Birds and Trees." Attendees included notable figures like Igor Sikorsky and Dr. H. Horowitz from aviation companies.

The Foundation also announced the 1958 Awards, with submissions due by April 15, 1958. Essays were to be 1500 words on discovering gravity insulators, reflectors, absorbers, or substances whose atoms could be agitated by gravity to produce heat, or other methods of harnessing gravity. Prizes ranged from $1,000 to $100.

Future Technology and Predictions

A symposium in New York City featured scientific experts discussing potential future developments. Dr. John Weir of Caltech suggested telepathic communication. Rocket expert Dr. Wernher von Braun predicted mail delivery via satellite radio signals. Dr. Harrison Brown of Caltech foresaw a 4-8 hour work week within 100 years, leading to speculation about leisure activities like hotels on the Moon.

Technical Puzzles and Military Applications

The U.S. Department of Commerce issued a catalog of 34 technical puzzles for inventors, aimed at assisting the armed forces. These included devices for rapid river crossing, tunneling at high speeds, and a "death ray."

Rocketry and Space Exploration

An editorial from the NEW ORLEANS ITEM on June 16, 1957, humorously suggested handling flying saucer crews with civic receptions. Reports from Washington detailed U.S. tests in the Pacific, where a rocket launched during Project Farside from balloons 100,000 feet in the air may have traveled over 4,000 miles into space. The possibility of using a similar balloon-rocket system for lunar missions within a year was mentioned, though not the aim of the tests. The armed forces also reportedly fired artificial meteors into space.

Cornell Aeronautics Laboratory is developing a "Wave Superheater" for ultra-high temperature testing, capable of speeds up to 10,000 mph and temperatures of 9,000°F. The Air Force in Florida is using a large tracking camera at Melbourne Beach to photograph rockets, with another unit planned for Vero Beach.

Religion and Flying Saucers

The May issue of PROPHETIC ENSIGN, a religion-focused publication, is highlighted for its coverage of UFOs. It plugs NICAP, lists its Board of Governors, and features numerous UFO sightings from around the world, including the "Van Winkle case" and reports from Kaimuki, Hawaii, and the Midwest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry, technological advancement, and unexplained aerial phenomena. There's a clear interest in reporting on research related to gravity, predictions about the future of technology and space travel, and accounts of UFO sightings. The editorial tone appears to be one of open investigation, presenting information from various sources, including scientific institutions, government reports, and popular publications. The inclusion of the humorous New Orleans editorial suggests a willingness to engage with the topic from different perspectives, including satire.