Uranus - 1958 - Vol 04 No 4 - Whole No 22

Magazine Overview

Title: URANUS
Issue: Vol. 4, No.4
Date: February, 1958
Publisher: MARKHAM HOUSE PRESS LTD.
Country: United Kingdom
Editor: DAVID WIGHTMAN

This issue of URANUS, a magazine focused on 'Satellites and Space Travel', presents a collection of articles and reports concerning Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The publication adopts a selective editorial policy, aiming to sift through numerous reports to identify and present credible evidence.

Editorial Policy and Current UFO Activity

The lead editorial, 'Our Policy', acknowledges that the magazine's approach might seem 'destructive' rather than 'constructive'. However, this is a deliberate strategy to isolate authentic UFO reports from the vast amount of material received. The editor notes a recent trend of UFOs appearing lower in Earth's atmosphere, suggesting increased activity and a potential 'flap' comparable to the July 1952 event. The magazine encourages readers to stay informed as 'things are poppin'.

Justice and the Flying Saucers

This section frames the existence of UFOs as a legal case, suggesting that if put on 'trial', the evidence would overwhelmingly point to intelligently-controlled craft of non-terrestrial origin. The article posits that material proof of UFO existence is now available, specifically mentioning 'particles of substance' recovered from UFOs.

Material Evidence: Campinas Tin and Other Cases

The issue details 'material evidence' from UFO sightings. A significant case involves metal recovered in a molten state in Capinas, Brazil, in December 1954, after several UFOs passed overhead. This metal was analyzed by independent chemists in Brazil (Dr Maffei) and America (Prof. Nathan Meltz), with results indicating unusually pure tin, leading Prof. Charles A. Maney to suggest it was unlikely to have originated from Earth. The investigation into this 'Campinas tin' is ongoing.

Another piece of evidence discussed is a tape recording related to the 'West Virginia Monster' case from 1952. The recording, received by the Wigan & Dist. F.S. Group, was analyzed by Iven T. Sanderson, a known figure in ufology. Sanderson's investigation involved interviewing approximately 400 witnesses who reported seeing a strange craft and a 'monster'. Key findings from this investigation include:

• 14 witnesses saw the craft and monster at close range.
• Accounts from witnesses, interviewed singly or in groups, showed no discrepancies.
• Six UFOs were reported over Braxton county.
• All six craft were described similarly.
• A young farmer observed a craft landing on a hillside, noting its pulsating light dimming until disappearance.
• Physical evidence included a 15ft diameter depression on the hillside, with three smaller depressions suggesting a tripod landing gear. The craft's height was estimated at 20 to 22 ft.
• A mist smelling of burning metal caused a dog to vomit and die, and one witness to become violently ill.
• The 'monster' was described as 10 ft tall, legless, gliding, with two large openings for eyes.

Additionally, an investigation into another case in the area involved a crashed craft in a swamp, from which particles of a plastic-like substance were recovered. Its nature could not be determined by spectrographic analysis or conventional solvents, until water was suggested.

A possible cause for the crashes was suggested as a belt of polluted air from nearby mines and a chemical plant.

Orthotoney and Patterned Sightings

The article 'Something Else to Go On' highlights A.B. Simoes' 'The Flying Saucer' (Brazil) and introduces 'Orthotoney', a term coined by French mathematician Aime Michel. Michel contends that UFO sightings exhibit a definite pattern, with a straight line connecting at least three major 'check points' (towns). His new book, 'Flying Saucers and Orthotoney', is being translated into English by 'CSI of New York'. The magazine notes that five sightings reported on August 24th, 1957, from Salinas, Itamarandiba, and Ouro Preto, Brazil, form such a straight line.

'CSI' magazine (November '57) also discusses Michel's theory. It reports on eleven incidents involving falls of ice, with chunks weighing up to 100lbs, occurring over seven weeks. Notably, seven of the eight plotted points of these ice falls lie along straight lines, supporting Michel's 'Orthotoney' concept. The editors of CSI Newsletter find this correlation interesting, questioning if these ice falls are related to UFO activity.

The Saucers Make World Headlines Again

This section discusses the current 'big Saucer "flap"', noting that while some editors link it to the launch of 'Sputnik No 2', the magazine finds this connection unwarranted. The current flap is described as the biggest since the July 1952 crisis. However, many headline-grabbing sightings are deemed not 'news-worthy', such as small hovering lights. More interesting reports include the mysterious episode of a fishing trawler in the Irish Sea that lost and later regained its 'top coat' of paint after being buzzed by a 'Carrot shaped' glowing object. Similar sightings occurred over South Wales and the Isle of Man. Officialdom's silence on this affair is noted, with the suggestion that the vessel was likely tested for radioactivity.

Other recent reports include 'egg shaped' objects of considerable size. The Levelland, Texas incident received widespread publicity due to its unusual characteristics: stalling car engines and extinguishing headlights, details previously unreported but since observed in other cases.

Contactee Claims and Investigations

Two claimed contacts are mentioned. Reinhold Schmidt reported encountering a cigar-shaped vessel on the Nebraska prairie with four men and two women inside. Police investigation cast doubt on his integrity, leading to his confinement in a mental hospital. A second claim comes from a 12-year-old boy, Everett Clark of Knoxville, Tennessee, whose case sounds more convincing, though further details are awaited.

In the UK, apart from the disappearing paint mystery near Edinburgh (previously covered in URANUS), few incidents gained national press attention. Enquiries by the editor led to contradictory statements from Edinburgh police, who suggested the object was a radar tracking balloon, while the Air Ministry reportedly stated they had not identified the object. The magazine expresses skepticism about authorities clarifying such matters.

In a Nutshell: The Nature of Proof

Condensed from a Richard Hall article in 'UFO Newsletter', this section tackles Captain Ruppelt's question: 'What constitutes proof?'. It argues that proof often relies on logical demonstration rather than absolute certainty. For UFOs, proof is considered on two levels:

1. Uniqueness: Demonstrating that UFOs are a unique phenomenon, not merely misidentified conventional objects. This is supported by the consistency in reports regarding shape and flight characteristics (circular, hovering, sharp turns, high acceleration) and their unusual behavior, such as pacing airliners. The article argues that the lack of physical evidence does not invalidate these reports from experienced observers.
2. Origin: If UFOs are accepted as unique, solid, and intelligently controlled, the next step is to determine their origin. The possibilities are secret Earth-manufactured devices or interplanetary space-ships. The article suggests that UFOs exhibit mechanical appearance and metallic surfaces, indicating they are manufactured devices. The logical conclusion, if they are not Earthly, is that they are space-ships.

The author proposes that demonstrating four premises would provide strong proof: UFOs are real solid objects, generally circular, intelligently controlled, and not manufactured on Earth. The article concludes that only those psychologically unable to face facts or see beyond their immediate perceptions would reject this logic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of URANUS revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, the collection and critical analysis of evidence, and the exploration of potential explanations for sightings. The magazine maintains a stance of cautious skepticism, demanding credible evidence while acknowledging the growing body of reports and the increasing boldness of reported UFO activity. There is a clear emphasis on the need for official investigations and a belief that UFOs represent a genuine, potentially non-terrestrial, phenomenon. The introduction of Aime Michel's 'Orthotoney' theory suggests an interest in finding patterns and order within the reported sightings, moving beyond simple anecdotal accounts to more structured analysis. The magazine appears to be a platform for enthusiasts and researchers to share information and debate theories within the ufology community of the late 1950s.

This issue of URANUS magazine, dated October, features a cover headline focused on 'MANKIND AND SPACE FLIGHT' by Verax. The publication is from MARKHAM HOUSE PRESS, LTD., based in London, United Kingdom.

Mankind and Space Flight

Verax's article posits that within five years, mankind will land on the Moon and be able to observe 'alien space vehicles,' which the author prefers to call UFOs. The article discusses the probable origin of the Moon, suggesting it was a small planet between Earth and Mars captured by Earth's gravity about eleven thousand years ago, rather than being torn from the Pacific Ocean. A significant scientific concern highlighted is the uncertainty regarding the Moon's exact distance from Earth and whether it is approaching or receding, a question that could be answered with a space landing. The author notes that while humans would need space suits or special buildings to live on the Moon, other beings with different physical makeups might be able to exist there. The chances of the Moon having a native population, referred to as 'Moon Folk,' are considered astronomical. The article concludes that regardless of alien presence, mankind will reach the Moon, planets, and stars within five years, on equal terms with any alien intellect.

Odd Bits: John Otto's Broadcasts

This section addresses doubts cast on John Otto's 'Come in outer space' broadcasts from late 1954. Otto received reports of messages, one of which was wire-recorded by Mildred Maier of Chicago. On January 7th, 1957, Otto conducted another broadcast where Howard Menger claimed to have recorded a 'coded' message during a silence period. St Germain, investigating for 'C.S.I.' in New York, obtained a copy of the tape and found the 'coded' messages, when fed into teleprinter machines, spelled out letters. While the message was clearly in code, St Germain identified it as a fake on Menger's tape. However, Mildred Maier's recording remained a mystery.

Jim Moseley on Sputnik and UFOs

Jim Moseley, editor of 'Saucer News,' comments on the 'flap' being the biggest event since July 1952, the peak saucer period. He suggests a connection between the launch of Sputnik II and the saucer flap, though the nature of this connection is debated. Skeptics attribute it to 'Sputnik hysteria,' while Moseley believes space beings might be demonstrating superior technology. He also discusses Dr. Davidson's 'Psychological warfare' theory and defends the publication of Davidson's article, stating it was intended to bring new points to attention, not just to cause controversy.

Lonzo Dove's Photographic Evidence

Lonzo Dove reports on photographs submitted for examination. One from Japan shows a long marking, possibly a scar in the film emulsion, and 'tadpole-shaped' objects. Dove also claims to have observed a disc-shaped object through a telescope and later a 'bright steady, yellowish light with a vapour trail illuminated by the moon,' with dim red and colourless lights separated by approximately 5 minutes of arc. Confirmatory reports appeared in newspapers the following day.

A Novel and Worthwhile Suggestion

Kenneth Arnold suggests building full-scale UFO models with flashing lights and placing them in remote areas to decoy genuine UFOs for observation and study, questioning why the US Air Force and British forces haven't tried this since 1947.

Letters to the Editor: Religion and the Saucers

Reginald A. Bradbury, Editor of 'Kingdom Voice,' writes that Christian churches must confront the question of UFOs. He poses questions about the revolutionizing of Christian concepts of Heaven and the existence of life on other planets, linking these to the UFO phenomenon. He quotes a letter stating that UFO appearances are a prophetic fulfillment of Christ's words and indicate His promised return. He believes the growing interest of UFO writers in Bible prophecy may force Christian churches to re-evaluate.

Reader Correspondence

Edgar Sievers from Pretoria, South Africa, expresses frustration with unsolved mysteries and questions the outcome of a 'Saucer Congress,' comparing it to 'Giant Rock rallies.' He strongly recommends addressing the 'FS mystery' and 'Contacts,' suggesting Lobsang Rampa's articles. He also corrects an error in URANUS regarding his book 'FS über Südafrika,' clarifying that he did not deal with Shauberger but approached propulsion through parapsychology and a 'Natural Field theory.'

A.A.C. Mills from London questions the magazine's assertions about nuclear bomb dangers and the insignificance of human actions on Mars, asking for the source of this information. He suggests the magazine chat with 'Nuts' who might solve the 'WHY, WHENCE and HOW' questions.

The editor responds to Mills' criticism, noting that the article in question was written by 'Justin Case.' Regarding 'NUTS,' the editor states his primary interest is an ultimate solution to the saucer mystery, commending ideals but questioning if they can answer the 'big three' questions. The magazine has finished its coverage of Adamski.

Saucerzines and Their Purpose

This section categorizes saucer periodicals into three groups: research journals that critically examine evidence and report hoaxes; 'neutral' magazines that present claims without controversy, potentially for financial gain; and those that focus on ideals. The author notes that true research is rarely spectacular and can alienate proponents of other theories, citing the loss of 'ORBIT' as an example. The 'neutral' magazine is criticized for potentially sowing doubt and suspicion.

Personalities and Groups in Other Countries

By Gavin Gibbons, author of 'The Coming of the Space Ships' and 'They Rode in Space Ships.' Gibbons recounts his travels in October 1956 as a freelance reporter. He met Karl Veit, secretary of 'Wiesbadener UFO-Studengemeinschaft' and editor of 'UFO Nachrichten' in Wiesbaden, Germany. In Munich, he met Dr. Hermann Buhler, with whom he had differences of opinion regarding UFO accounts. Gibbons notes that the German group covers Western Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He found no UFO group or interest in Yugoslavia. In Italy, he met Prof. Ernesto Thayat, founder of the Italian group C.I.R.N.O.S. He had planned to meet Jimmy Guiea in Marseille but missed him due to a cancelled meeting of 'Ouranos.' In Amsterdam, he met A.F. van Wieringen, and noted the thriving Dutch UFO group with its journal 'UFO Gids,' and another group, 'UFO Group Nederland.' His seven-week trip aimed to bring European saucer enthusiasts closer together.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with space exploration, scientific inquiry, and religious interpretations. There is a strong emphasis on research and critical examination of evidence, as seen in the discussion of different types of saucer periodicals and the editor's responses to reader letters. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific approach to understanding UFOs while acknowledging the public's fascination and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The magazine also engages with contemporary events, such as the Sputnik launch, and their perceived connection to UFO activity. The inclusion of reader letters and diverse international perspectives suggests an effort to foster discussion and a broader understanding of the UFO mystery.