Uranus - 1955 - Vol 02 No 1 - Whole No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: URANUS
Subtitle: FLYING SAUCERS
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 1
Date: July, 1955
Editor: E. BIDDLE.
Publisher: MARKHAM HOUSE PRESS LTD.
Country: United Kingdom
Price: 1/9D. OR 35 CENTS

This issue of URANUS, a magazine dedicated to space travel and flying saucers, presents a variety of articles and letters from readers. The cover features a prominent illustration of a flying saucer with the magazine's title.

Contents Overview

The issue opens with "This and That," an editorial column by E. Biddle, who laments the lack of response from French-speaking readers to an invitation to sample a Swiss F.S. review. He also highlights the bi-monthly 'Flying Saucer Review' published by Flying Saucer Service Ltd., noting its attractive presentation and informative content, and mentions its Research Service. The editor addresses a mistaken impression he had regarding Adamski's second book, clarifying that Adamski does not claim to have visited other planets in it and expresses regret for any misrepresentation.

"The Disc-Beings Again"

This section revisits M. René Fouéré's article "F.S. or Disc-Beings," originally published in issue No. 4. The editor presents the footnotes from the original French version, which were omitted from the translation. These footnotes discuss the timing of the article's writing (November 1953) and its presentation. A key point is the comparison of the 'cinematic' behavior of flying saucer objects, described as an alternation of comprehensible and bizarre movements, to the antics of a puppy or infusorian. The footnotes also address M. Fouéré's hypothesis of "space-animals" and its potential novelty, noting that a similar hypothesis appeared in Raymond Z. Gallun's novel "The Beast of the Void," published in 1936. The editor finds the coincidence curious, especially since Fouéré's article predates the French translation of Gallun's work. The article explores the idea that "Nature" might have evolved creatures capable of interplanetary flight, likening them to "Interplanetary Nomads."

Speculation and Reader Contributions

Following the discussion on "Disc-Beings," the magazine poses a hypothetical scenario to readers: imagine encountering a being from a flying saucer. Readers are encouraged to write an article of 450-750 words on what they would do and how they would substantiate their story to an unbelieving world. The best essay will receive a year's free subscription to URANUS, with Messrs. Harold Chibbett and C.A. Heathcote serving as judges.

Letters to the Editor

The "Letters to the Editor" section features correspondence from readers, including a significant letter from Alejandro de la Jara in Lima, Peru. He provides precise information about George Adamski's second book, titled "INSIDE THE SPACE SHIPS," detailing its content about visiting other planets and observing extraterrestrial life. De la Jara also discusses René Fouéré's "Disc-Beings" theory, expressing skepticism about the scientific possibility of fauna inhabiting interplanetary or interstellar space, stating that such a theory cannot be supported on scientific grounds.

De la Jara also shares information from astronomical observatories regarding the possibility of intelligent life on Mars and Venus, noting that while conditions are unfavorable, it is possible but not probable. He questions whether Earth is the only inhabited body in the Cosmos, with observatories replying that it is possible but improbable. He concludes that the possibility of saucers being spaceships from other planets has a scientific basis, but not for interplanetary or interstellar fauna.

Another letter discusses Immanuel Velikowsky's "Worlds in Collision," highlighting its erudition and documentation. This letter also touches upon the historical understanding of Venus, suggesting it was once a comet and its orbit change affected Earth's axis and day length, questioning Adamski's story in light of this.

The magazine also notes the chaotic state of UFO phenomena, with objects of various sizes, shapes, and propulsion methods, some benevolent, most neutral, and some hostile. It observes a lack of coordination among these types and their general aloofness from Earth inhabitants.

Theories on Power and Origins

One contributor speculates on the power source of flying saucers, considering gravity control unlikely due to its feebleness compared to magnetism. Magnetism is suggested as a more plausible solution for motive power. The contributor also raises the possibility that space craft might be materializations from a non-material world, referencing an ancient prophecy and Nostradamus.

The issue concludes with a question to the editor about whether Russians have landed on the moon, linking it to the tradition of the "iron curtain." The editor notes U.S. scientists' projects for space travel, reserving judgment by referencing the Tower of Babel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of flying saucers, extraterrestrial life, and space travel. The magazine appears to maintain an open, yet critical, stance, encouraging speculation and reader contributions while also scrutinizing theories for scientific basis. The editor, E. Biddle, actively engages with the subject matter, reviewing other publications, addressing reader correspondence, and presenting various hypotheses and observations. There is a clear interest in distinguishing between speculative theories and established scientific fact, as seen in the discussion of Adamski's claims and Fouéré's "Disc-Beings" theory.

URANUS, June 1955 issue. This magazine focuses on flying saucer (F.S.) investigations, featuring reader correspondence, reports of sightings, and reviews of relevant literature. The publication appears to be aimed at enthusiasts and researchers in the field of UFO phenomena.

Reader Correspondence and Opinions

The issue opens with a letter from A. Arundel, dated 16th June 1955, responding to an article in the "Reader's Digest" concerning F.S. Arundel questions the U.S. Air Force's claim of secrecy around F.S. as an "important military secret" and suggests that extraterrestrial craft have been visiting Earth long before the U.S. existed. He also raises the issue of unexplained disappearances of military planes and mentions "four-foot midgets." Arundel speculates whether Adamski's encounters might have been a hoax orchestrated by the USAF, with one of their own men posing as the "man from Venus." He finds Cedric Allingham's accounts credible but questions the description of a Martian as a normal-sized man who moved nimbly, suggesting a possible "Yankee" connection or even an origin from "Abraham's bosom" if not Venus.

Another reader, writing to Mr. Biddle, expresses that URANUS is of significant interest, surpassing many "fanmags." This reader states they are not "anti-F.S." but require "concrete evidence" before becoming a believer. They acknowledge that while phenomena are inexplicable, it remains to be established whether they are caused by F.S. or natural causes. The reader recalls writing "pro-saucer" articles in the past, using analogies to explain how different objects (like a bus, tank, and car) are perceived differently by observers, similar to how different F.S. descriptions might be viewed.

Captain K.F. Slater, in a letter dated 26th June 1955, responds to a previous mention of him in URANUS. He expresses pleasure in receiving the letter and notes that he used to subscribe to the magazine "WONDER." Slater agrees with the editor regarding Leonard G. Cramp's book, finding it valuable for its theoretical approach to the F.S. problem, focusing on "if...how?" rather than just accumulating reports. He believes Cramp's theories fit the evidence well and are more worthwhile than rehashed opinions.

Articles and Reports

"AND SO WHAT?" by 'Pertinax'

This article discusses the challenge of finding a "modus vivendi" between earthly and unearthly cultures. The author notes that those involved in flying saucer investigations are aware of communications from "non-earthly tourists" concerning atomic fission. While acknowledging potential anxiety from these "cosmic explorers" about humanity's future plans, 'Pertinax' sees no reason to take them seriously, given that visitations have occurred for thousands of years without any discernible benefit to Earth. The author stresses that humanity, through its own efforts, is on the verge of conquering space. Instead of encouragement from extraterrestrial forces, there is a "barrage of moans" about potential negative consequences for them if humans proceed. 'Pertinax' concludes that since these beings have never done anything for humanity, the relationship should be based on strict reciprocity. Until they provide material proof of good intentions, humanity should proceed with its plans, including landing on the moon within the next decade. The author dismisses Adamski's journeys as insufficient reason to alter these views.

SAUCER SIGHTING AT BEDFORD by Ian K. Ellis

Ian K. Ellis reports a flying saucer sighting on the afternoon of 30th May 1955, at 15:45 GMT, while at his home in Bedford. He observed a flickering red light at a great height, moving from South-East to North-West in approximately 5 to 7 seconds. The object was described as spherical with a red light that glowed at the bow and stern, appearing like a vapour trail. Its path was not straight but involved zig-zag movements. Ellis estimates the altitude at 17,000 feet and believes the object must have been extremely large due to the clear visibility of its movements. He notes that similar accounts regarding colour changes and zig-zag flight have been reported from Switzerland by Mr. and Mrs. Vivot and Mr. F. Zaugger, posing the question of whether it was the same craft.

Book Reviews and Listings

COMMANDOS DE L'ESPACE, by Jimmy Guieu

Reviewed in the "BOOKS" section, this French book (published by Editions "Fleuve Noir", Paris, 1955) is a continuation of "L'Homme de l'Espace." It details an incident in September 1954 involving the landing of a small F.S. at Quarouble, France, from which two four-foot tall humanoid figures emerged. M. Marius Dewilde witnessed the event, and a "a green ray" from the F.S. temporarily paralysed him. The "saucerians" then departed, leaving marks on the railway sleepers. Guieu's account focuses on the interaction from the perspective of the "saucerians," who are described as not being Martians. The review highlights the book's "penetrating insight" and "high degree of plausibility" in explaining the saucerians' aim to familiarize humanity with their existence through brief landings and to gather information on human reactions. The reviewer finds the general story, concerning a struggle between two rival groups of saucerians, interesting but is more captivated by the "daring imaginativeness" of the ideas presented, which, while not impossible, are thought-provoking.

CANDIDE AU TEMPS DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES, by Robert Guy

This French book from Paris, 1955, is described as an "extremely amusing satire." It projects Voltaire's characters, Candide and Pangloss, into the near future amidst saucerian activity and general strikes. Their attempts to cure mankind's ills with "half-baked remedies" are presented, all of which work in the opposite direction intended. The review suggests it is "really worth while" for French readers.

BEHIND THE F.S. by Frank Scully

This work, originally published in London, has been reissued. The review notes that it has "already reached the ears of most" and is available to complete libraries. It is implied that the book covers significant ground within the F.S. field.

"MARS ALLER-RETOUR" by F.L. Neher

This book, just arrived from Paris, is a bound edition. The author reportedly had access to all of Wernher von Braun's notes. It is slated for review in the next issue.

CURRENT FLYING SAUCER LITERATURE AVAILABLE

A comprehensive list of books on flying saucers is provided, categorized by country of publication (Britain, France, U.S.A.) with authors, titles, publication years, and prices in British pounds and US dollars. Notable authors listed include C. Allingham, L.G. Cramp, W. Girvan, D.E. Keyhoe, C.E. Last, G. Adamski, D.W. Menzel, J. Plantier, Cyril Richardson, F. Scully, E. Sykes, Dr. H.P. Wilkins, H.T. Wilkins, Jimmy Guieu, Aime Michel, and C. Fort. Prices range from 2/0 to 21/9 for British publications and $1.00 to $2.90 for some French and US titles, with C. Fort's "Complete Works" being of "extremely limited supply."

Film News

"FORBIDDEN PLANET" ASSIGNMENT FOR WALTER PIDGEON

Walter Pidgeon has been selected to portray the scientist Morbius in M-G-M's science fiction film "Forbidden Planet," set in 2200 A.D. on a remote planet. Morbius is an "omniscient fugitive from Earth" who has absorbed vast scientific knowledge, which ultimately turns against him. Ann Francis is cast as Pidgeon's daughter. The film is being produced by Nickolas Nayfack in CinemaScope and colour with Perspecta Stereophonic Sound, directed by Fred Wilcox.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate and investigation into flying saucers (F.S.) and potential extraterrestrial visitations. There is a clear emphasis on the need for verifiable, "concrete" evidence, with some contributors expressing skepticism or demanding more proof beyond anecdotal reports. The magazine seems to provide a platform for various viewpoints, from those who readily accept the reality of F.S. to those who remain cautious. The reviews of books and the inclusion of a film news item indicate a broad interest in science fiction and the broader implications of space exploration and potential contact with non-terrestrial intelligences. The editorial stance, as suggested by the "Editor's Note," is to provoke discussion and encourage reader participation, aiming to stimulate action and further investigation within the field.