UFORUM - 1956 00 - Vol 1 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOrum
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 1
Date: November 21, 1955 (based on article referencing The Grand Rapids Press release)
Publisher: Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club
Price: 25¢

This inaugural issue of UFOrum, published by the Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club (also known as the Study Group on Interplanetary Relations), serves as an open forum for UFO enthusiasts. The publication aims to distribute literature and potentially bring lecturers to Grand Rapids, funded by profits from lectures and member donations. A Mimeograph machine has been acquired for this purpose.

Editorial

The editorial introduces UFOrum as the club's first publication, stemming from lectures by figures like George Adamski, Ric Williamson, Buck Nelson, and Desmond Leslie, which generated a list of nearly 750 interested individuals. The nominal charge of 25¢ per copy is intended to cover expenses and build the club's treasury.

UFO Sighting: Apple Valley, California, December 16, 1954

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a personal account of a UFO sighting by the author on December 16, 1954, over Apple Valley, near Victorville, California. The author, claiming experience in flying and navigation, describes the object as cigar-shaped, extremely bright silvery material, and stationary at an altitude of approximately 25,000 feet. It was observed from about 6 PM on the 16th until noon the following day. Initially appearing as a reddish-orange glow at night, it became silvery in the morning light. Using 7x50 binoculars, the author noted details including two windows or ports and a separation along its length with bolts or holes. The object was estimated to be about two and a half times the length of a B-29.

Approximately fifty people witnessed the event, including two deputy sheriffs, a medical doctor, and staff and guests of the Apple Valley Inn. Authorities were repeatedly contacted at George Airbase, which stated that jets were in the area and investigating, assuring callers it was not a weather balloon. However, the following day, authorities denied the incident and any inquiries.

Jets were observed in the early morning, with one vapor trail visible directly over the object at about 35,000 feet. The author believes the pilot of this jet must have seen the object. A guest of the Inn reportedly took pictures, which were later confiscated by authorities. The author recounted the experience to Paul Coates of the MIRROR-NEWS, who verified the story.

International UFO Activity

Reports indicate that France experiences 3 to 5 reported saucer landings weekly, and the French Direction de la Surveillance du Terriroire admits that saucers exist.

Astronomy and Extraterrestrial Life

An article references a United Press release from November 21, 1955, published in The Grand Rapids Press, discussing science being on the verge of proving the existence of other worlds. Dr. Helen S. Hogg of the National Science Foundation is quoted, stating that observatories are searching for "gravitational proof" of planets around other stars. Astronomers generally agree that billions of life-bearing worlds likely exist. Dr. Hogg suggests that space stations could improve astronomical observation, allowing us to see these worlds. Benjamin Adelman proposes establishing an observatory on the moon, while Dr. Donald lienzel of the Harvard observatory believes life may exist in millions of places, potentially even superhuman.

Organized projects at Sproul observatory and Northwestern's Dearborn observatory are underway to prove the existence of nearby planetary systems. The concept of "gravitational proof" is explained as evidence of gravitational fields of nearby stars being influenced by planet satellites, similar to how the planet Pluto was inferred before direct observation.

Life on Mars

Dr. E.C. Slipher, after 50 years of studying Mars, has taken 20,000 color photographs. He believes Mars is alive, evidenced by seasonal changes. He suggests that dust would have covered the planet if nothing grew there. While animal life similar to Earth's is considered unlikely under Martian conditions, the possibility is not entirely dismissed.

Mars Near Earth

On September 7, 1956, Mars and Earth will be relatively close, 35,000,000 miles apart. Mars will appear as bright as Jupiter for about a week. This event is expected to be significant for astronomers settling the "canal" dispute and for astrologers making dire predictions.

Seismologist Sees Many '56 Quakes

Italian Seismologist Raphael Berndandi predicts 1956 will be a bad year for earthquakes, with September being the worst month. His month-by-month predictions include light quakes in Japan (January), strong shocks in Siberia (February), quakes in the Philippines (March), Greece and Morocco (April), severe damage in the Middle East (May), a violent quake in Central America (July), shocks in California and along the Mexico-U.S. border (August), widespread and severe quakes in Japan, the Middle East, and South America (September), damage in the Andes (October), and strong shocks in Kamchatka and North Japan (December).

"Saucers" Spotted by Radar Near Washington

An AP report from Washington details an airforce investigation into radar sightings of "flying saucers" on the outskirts of the capital. Unidentified objects were detected on radar, and eerie lights were seen by two airline pilots and a newsman. Officials found the event unusual, with some stating it was the first time radar had picked up such objects. The objects traveled at a relatively slow speed but later displayed bursts of speed exceeding normal airplanes. A thorough investigation is being conducted by the air technical intelligence center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Reports of UFOs are increasing, averaging about 100 sightings a month, the highest rate since 1947.

An operator at the Washington National Airport air traffic control center spotted eight unidentified images on radar. The objects were slow-moving, estimated at 100 to 130 miles per hour, flying near Andrews Air Force Base. The civil aeronautics administration notified the airforce. Capt. S.C. (Casey) Pierman of Capital Airlines flight 807 reported seeing seven objects between Washington and Martinsburg, W. Va., describing them as "like falling stars without tails" but much faster and higher than aircraft. Another airliner reported seeing a light following it. Newsman Saul Pett of the Associated Press saw an orange-colored, round object near River Edge, N.J., which moved swiftly and soundlessly.

The airforce did not scramble interceptor planes because its own radar had not picked up the images, and the observer operation had not sent warnings.

Many Incidents

Numerous UFO incidents have been reported recently. The objects are described as luminous and vary in shape (saucers, mushrooms, cigars, barrels, bananas, spheres, chamber pots) and pilot size (dwarfs to giants). Visitors are described as mannerly but timid. Harmless weapons have reportedly been used, and intruders have shown interest in collecting vegetable and mineral specimens.

Scientists offer explanations, including a Russian report about Mars being unusually hot, leading to deductions that Martians might be seeking fresh air. Another theory suggests Mars is conducting a geographic survey of Earth. Professor Herman Oberth theorizes that visitors are intelligent plants called "Uranides." In France, a deputy has formally demanded an investigation into UFOs.

Communication with UFOs

The issue explores the desire to establish contact with UFOs, assuming they are manned by intelligent or super-intelligent beings. It considers the possibility that they may not want to communicate or lack the means. A comparison is made to missionaries in the Columbian jungle, suggesting that humans' fear and potential hostility could make extraterrestrials "gun-shy." The article proposes that if space-men deem humanity worth helping, they might establish communication from a safe distance. Various methods of communication are discussed, including ESP, telepathy, automatic writing, clairvoyance, and ouija boards, suggesting that future understanding of these phenomena holds great promise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFOs are real and warrant serious investigation. It presents anecdotal evidence, witness testimonies, and reports from various sources, including official investigations and scientific speculation. The tone is generally open-minded and inquisitive, encouraging reader contributions and discussion. The publication positions itself as a platform for disseminating information on UFOs and related phenomena, fostering a community of interested individuals. There's an underlying theme of humanity's potential to understand and interact with the unknown, whether it be extraterrestrial visitors or the forces of nature like earthquakes.

Title: UFOrum
Issue: 11
Date: February 17, '56 (1956-02-17)
Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFOrum delves into the complexities and challenges of communicating with Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), highlighting the confusion generated by unreliable mediums and hoaxes. It posits that for any communication to be taken seriously by scientists and skeptics, a more scientifically accepted method than spiritualist-style contact is required. The article suggests that radio communication is the most viable path for such engagement.

Communication Methods Explored

The text discusses a decision by some members of a local flying saucer club to explore communication via light beams, specifically infra-red. It notes a potential legal hurdle: while communicating via radio with unlicensed operators in the U.S. is apparently illegal according to the Federal Communications Commission, there seems to be no such regulation concerning the use of light beams for communication purposes. The article clarifies that Infra-Red, Radar, and Radio are all fundamentally similar, being parts of the electro-magnetic spectrum that differ primarily in their frequency.

Pioneers in Light-Beam Communication

The issue recognizes "Ric" Williamson from Prescott, Arizona, and John Otto from Chicago as significant figures and pioneers in the field of light-beam communication. Williamson had previously lectured on the topic.

Further Reading

Readers are recommended to explore "The Lomokome Papers" by Herman Wouk and an article in the February 17, '56 issue of Collier's magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the pursuit of credible and scientifically acceptable methods for UFO communication. The editorial stance appears to favor empirical and technological approaches, such as radio and light-beam communication, over less verifiable methods like mediumship. There is an underlying goal to educate the public and skeptics alike, suggesting a desire for the subject of UFOs to be treated with greater seriousness and scientific rigor.