Uranus - 1957 - Vol 04 No 3 - Whole No 21

Magazine Overview

This is the December 1957 issue of URANUS SPACE TRAVEL, Volume 4, Number 3. Edited by David Wightman, with E. Biddle listed as the First Editor. The magazine is published every second month by Markham House Press Ltd., located at 31 Kings Road, London, S.W.3. The cover price is 35c or 2/- post free, with a subscription rate of 11/- or $1.50 for 6 issues. The issue features a prominent headline: "Stubborness plus Complacency equals Failure."

Stubborness plus Complacency equals Failure

This lead article posits that Russia's success in launching artificial satellites is due to their lack of "stubbornness" and "complacency" compared to the UK and America. The author argues that responsible agencies in these Western countries have been stubborn in two ways: failing to accept Russia's scientific advancements and failing to acknowledge the evidence of intelligently controlled objects not of earthly origin, powered by revolutionary methods. The article criticizes the complacency of governments and the restrictive nature of government contracts that hinder private research firms in America. It suggests that Russia has achieved its advancements through "leapfrogging," starting where others left off, particularly in rocket fuel development. The article also touches upon the potential of new propulsion methods, possibly related to low-temperature physics and electro-magnetism, as a means to catch up with Russia in space exploration.

A Candid Opinion

This section reviews various perspectives on UFO origins. It mentions Dr. Meade Layne's belief that UFOs come from "Etheria" and critiques the "Celestial carpet baggers." Lonzo Dove is highlighted for his long-held belief that UFOs originate from Mars, supported by charts of arrival dates. Dove's work, though not widely published, is noted for its thoroughness, particularly his involvement in exposing the "Adamski hoax." The article also references a letter from Dr. Leon Davidson concerning UFO activity in July 1952, which Dove claims fulfilled his charted "Emergency and Freight arrivals from Mars to Earth." Dove's predictions, based on a 780-day cycle related to the Mars-Earth Interplanetary Expedition Cycle, are presented as having been historically accurate. Lonzo Dove's recent letter to the editor suggests that UFOs come from Mars, piloted by living creatures approximately 3ft high with stereoscopic vision. He also posits that smaller, globular objects are remote-controlled devices, and that large "cigar" ships travel between Mars, Earth, and Venus. Dove describes a base on the Moon with water and living cells composed of heavy Hydrogen water, and suggests the Moon is a world-fragment older than Mars.

NICAP Report

This section extracts key points from the second issue of "U.F.O. Investigator." It reports on William P. Lear's surprising reversal of opinion, from believing UFOs were piloted by intelligent beings in 1955 to suggesting they are "Robot Devices." The article notes that Lear Inc. has significant government contracts and high-level contacts in the Defence Department. The author questions Lear's new theory, suggesting that if UFOs are unmanned machines, it eliminates the question of contacts. NICAP is stated to be investigating contact stories and has begun a case in Galt, Ontario, Canada, which occurred on July 30th, 1957. The incident involved a 15-year-old boy who saw a domed object hover for 45 minutes, leaving physical traces. While "The Toronto Telegram" suggested a hoax, NICAP investigators found evidence that, if it was a hoax, it was extremely well-executed.

Controversial Topic - Controversial Figure

This article discusses H.P. Wilkins' views on UFOs, who acknowledges that more scientists believe in their existence and that it's not impossible for intelligent creatures from other celestial bodies to have developed space travel and visit Earth. However, Wilkins also suggests there might be elements explained by other grounds and that scientists require proof. The late Prof. A.M. Low is quoted on the likelihood of life on Mars and the potential for Martian languages to be incomprehensible. The author humorously notes a contemporary's statement about Martians editing FS magazines.

The Carpet Baggers and Their False Reasoning

An extract from Justin Case (Saucer News) critiques common explanations for UFO visits. The first reason, that visitors are here to help humanity solve its problems, is dismissed as a "beautiful thought" but impractical, as mankind's core issues are population and food supply, and any offered solutions might not be accepted. The second reason, that visitors aim to prevent self-destruction by nuclear bombs, is also refuted. The author argues that natural disasters like thunderstorms and earthquakes pose a far greater threat than nuclear bombs, and that Earth's mass is insignificant in the solar system, meaning its destruction wouldn't significantly impact other planets like Mars. The article concludes that visitors would likely have no interest in preserving humanity beyond scientific curiosity.

Psychic News Gives The Nuts A Drubbing

This brief section commends "Psychic News" for addressing a branch of cultism that has allegedly caused damage to the subjects of Ufology and Spiritualism. The writer states that fakery for publicity has gone on too long.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the technological race between Russia and the West in space exploration, the nature and propulsion of UFOs, and critical analysis of contactee claims and UFO theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, a focus on scientific reasoning, and a desire to advance understanding of UFO phenomena through rigorous investigation, as exemplified by NICAP's involvement. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible research and sensationalism or "carpet bagging."

This issue of URANUS, dated August 1957, is Volume 2 and focuses on critical analysis of UFO phenomena and related controversies. The cover headline highlights a "CRITICISM OF 'A NEW KEY TO THE U.F.O'S APPEARANCES'" by A.R. Brimer, suggesting a skeptical and analytical approach to UFO theories presented in other publications.

Criticism of 'A New Key to the UFO's Appearances'

A.R. Brimer reviews an article from the August "URANUS" (presumably a different publication or an earlier issue) that proposed a "Key" to UFO appearances. Brimer finds the article worthy of attention but raises several points of confusion and skepticism. He notes that the use of "EMF" for "Earth Magnetic Field" is confusing, as it usually means "Electromotive Force" in the US. Brimer believes the theory presented is too "slick" and sweeping, likening it to putting the "cart before the horse" by assuming UFOs are motivated by Electro Magnetic drives without concrete evidence. He further questions the theory's explanation of magnetic phenomena, particularly regarding the Earth's magnetic field and the behavior of compass needles, contrasting it with established physics principles. The article discusses the concept of a magnetic equator and the inverse square law of magnetic force.

The Adamski Controversy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to debunking the claims of George Adamski. The editor, possibly I.C. Hope, expresses alarm at the growing popularity and financial success of a particular "nut" whose magazine is gaining traction. The editor sarcastically suggests the English "ambassador" should be "taken for a ride," implying a desire for such individuals to be removed. The magazine then details an investigation into Adamski's stories, particularly those involving Dr. A.G. Dittmar, Director of the "Tape Recorded U.F.O. Information Service." Dittmar received a letter from Adamski inviting him to a lecture in Detroit to impart secret information. However, upon meeting Adamski, Dittmar received no new or secret information. When confronted with a letter Adamski had sent out, Adamski claimed it was a test and that Dittmar was the first to not understand its meaning. Adamski then recounted a story about being in a Flying Saucer that hovered over the addresses of those who received the letter, projecting a beam onto them and recording their reactions. Dittmar's own reaction was described as turning over and going back to sleep. The magazine also investigates Adamski's claims about Henri Henrikson and a "Mrs. X." Henrikson's account, as relayed by Adamski, is found to be impossible due to his bedroom being redecorated and his bed being against a wall. Mrs. X also adamantly denies waking up or taking her daughter outside to look at the sky. The magazine concludes that these stories, if confirmed, would have boosted Adamski's stock, but since they have been checked and found untrue, his credibility is undermined. The issue also mentions a taped questionnaire sent to Adamski, to which his response was that he does not answer his critics.

UFO Activity and Theories

The magazine reports on "MORE ACTIVITY IN SCOTLAND," detailing an incident in October 1955 involving a 70 ft diameter object, and a more recent event near Edinburgh where a 20 to 30 ft "spinning top" object followed a truck. Witnesses described it as glowing and silvery. A police investigation and RAF involvement are mentioned, with conventional explanations discounted. The witnesses' accounts were consistent. The issue also notes evidence of UFO interest in Sputnik II and increased activity in Brazil and America. A report from the "Daily Telegraph" of November 4th, 1957, describes a sighting in West Texas of a large light or saucer-like object that cut off lights and stopped car engines, with multiple witnesses including the county sheriff and a lorry driver. The lorry driver described the object as 200 feet long and egg-shaped.

Editorial Stance and Debates

The magazine discusses the debate between the interplanetary space-craft theory and the idea that UFOs are Earth-made. James W. Moseley, formerly a proponent of the space-craft theory, switched sides. The editor of "Saucer News" has reportedly raised objections to Moseley's new theory. Two articles in "Saucer News" are mentioned: one by the editor about a governmental "Organisation" using saucers to mop up atomic radiation, and another by Davidson discussing "Department YZA" for psychological warfare. However, Moseley has published articles by Lorenzo Dove and Richard Hall (editor of "Satellite") that attack Moseley and Davidson's ideas. The magazine feels this vindicates Moseley's editorial integrity. Dove's article suggests UFOs were seen before 1947 and mentions a "Big flap" in July 1952. The magazine also touches on the idea that the Air Force might have advance prediction capabilities for UFO sightings, as suggested by Davidson, but questions whether this implies they are involved in creating the phenomena. The issue concludes by noting that while Moseley's earth-made theory is debated, it avoids supernatural elements. The "Daily Telegraph" is noted for publishing interesting Saucer news.

Books of Interest

Two books are advertised: "The Expanding Case for UFO" by M.K. Jessup and "Truth About F.S." by Aime Michel, both available from Markham House Press, Ltd.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, the debunking of specific UFO personalities like George Adamski, and the reporting of sightings with a degree of skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry and a demand for verifiable evidence, as demonstrated by the detailed analysis of Adamski's stories and the questioning of theoretical explanations for UFO propulsion. There is a clear inclination towards rational explanations and a distrust of sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims within the ufology community.