Uranus - 1958 - Vol 04 No 5 - Whole No 23

Magazine Overview

Title: SATELLITES AND URANUS SPACE TRAVEL
Issue: Vol. 4, No.5
Date: March 1958
Editor: DAVID WIGHTMAN
First Editor: E. BIDDLE
Publisher: MARKHAM HOUSE PRESS LTD.
Country: Great Britain

This issue of "Satellites and Uranus Space Travel" delves into the exciting and speculative realms of space exploration and the possibility of extraterrestrial encounters. It features a mix of articles discussing the future of astronautics, analyzing UFO reports, and exploring astronomical possibilities.

Articles and Content

We Are Not So Far Behind

This lead article contemplates the spirit of adventure and its manifestation in human exploration, from mountaineering and sea navigation to aeronautics and the emerging field of astronautics. It suggests that while aeronautics has reached its limits, astronautics offers a new, infinite field for progress. The article notes that 'Flying Saucers' suggest alternative propulsion methods beyond rockets, hinting at 'inertialess and "g" free drive'. The progress in astronautics is largely driven by military motives, necessitating major alterations in military strategy. The author acknowledges the difficulties of conventional rocket propulsion for space travel but believes that with propulsion systems akin to those used by 'Saucers', space travel will become as commonplace as air flight.

The article also touches upon the growing public interest in space travel, evidenced by publications like the BIS journal "Spaceflight" and articles in "Aeronautics". It mentions lectures on the subject at Manchester University and notes that Space Travel has been a university course topic in Soviet Russia since 1950. Furthermore, it highlights concerns for interplanetary scientists, including the meteor hazard, cosmic radiation, life support, hygiene, and navigation, suggesting that some of these issues are being addressed and may be solved soon.

Strong Circumstantial Evidence

This section presents a UFO sighting report from Fred Gage, a radio announcer from Worthington, Ohio. Gage observed a polished aluminum object hovering at a 45-degree angle above the horizon. The object made no sound and appeared to have a ring around its equator with grid lines, suggesting it was fabricated. The report is compared to a previous sighting by Mr. George Marsden from Chorley, Lancashire. The article questions how much more proof is needed, given the characteristics of the observed objects and the witnesses' credibility.

Billions of Planets?

This article discusses Professor Otto Struve's estimation of approximately 100 billion stars in the Milky Way, with at least 10 billion having planetary systems. Assuming five planets per star, this leads to an estimate of 50 billion planets. The article speculates that if two percent of these planets have life, it could amount to one billion planets with life, and one to ten per mil of those might have intelligent life, resulting in one to ten million planets with intelligent life. The author notes that flying saucer enthusiasts would disagree with Professor Struve's opinion that bridging interstellar distances might be impossible, emphasizing the significance of millions of potential planets from which UFOs could originate.

An Analysis of Published Reports on Contacts with Extra-Terrestrials. PART I

Authored by Isabel Davies, this article critically examines various published accounts of alleged contact with extra-terrestrials. Davies, a member of C.S.I. New York, identifies herself as a skeptic, facing accusations of 'egotism, bias, arrogance and mulish cynicism' from believers. She asserts that her skepticism is based on 'specific and solid objections'. The core of the controversy, according to Davies, is 'communication'. She discusses the works of authors like Adamski, Orfeo Angelucci ('The Secret of the Saucers'), and Bethurum ('Aboard a Flying Saucer'), noting that Angelucci's and Bethurum's experiences predate Adamski's. Angelucci's account includes a psychic trip to the remains of the planet 'Lucifer' using his etheric body. Bethurum's book describes the planet 'Clarion' and an encounter with Captain Aura Rhanes aboard a 'Scow' (saucer).

The article also reviews Truman Bethurum's account of a promised trip to Clarion, which never materialized. It mentions Daniel W. Fry's claim of a rapid trip from White Sands to New York in 32 minutes, and his space friend's name, 'A-lan'. George Van Tassel's book, "I Rode a Flying Saucer", is presented as containing 52 messages received from communicating intelligences with military-sounding titles like 'Ashtar' and 'Lutbunn'. George Hunt Williamson's "The Saucers Speak" is described as a report on 'Interstellar Communication by Radio Telepathy', suggesting Earth has a second moon and that planets like Neptune and Uranus are inhabited, along with Hatonn in Andromeda. Williamson's work also discusses the 'Solex Mal' as a universal language and Orion as an 'area of evil'.

Davies summarizes eight books, listing 15 common features of contact stories, including: claimants being previously unknown, contacts involving single witnesses in secluded spots (though telepathic communication can involve small groups), minimal language barriers, space people resembling 'homo-sapiens' with superior earthly characteristics, familiarity with all parts of the cosmos, an ability to find excuses for not revealing certain information, utopian worlds without crime or war, and Earth being the 'black sheep' of the universe. She notes that reasons for contactee selection vary, and the content of communications ranges from moral and mystical to historical and descriptive, though the overall information provided is considered small.

Lobsang Rampa and the "Third Eye"

Reviewed by Lonzo Dove, this section critiques a book by Lobsang Rampa. Dove expresses skepticism, particularly regarding Gray Barker's endorsement of the book's 'truth'. The reviewer finds the story impossible and suggests that investigators should be wary, even recommending consulting a mountaineer, implying the tale is far-fetched.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an optimistic outlook on space exploration and astronautics, viewing it as the next great adventure for humanity. There is a clear interest in UFO phenomena and the possibility of extra-terrestrial contact, with a critical yet open approach to analyzing reports. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific and evidence-based perspective, as seen in Isabel Davies' skeptical analysis, while still acknowledging the wonder and mystery surrounding these topics. The magazine aims to inform its readers about the latest developments and theories in space travel and the UFO field.

This issue of "Flying Saucer Review", dated January 1958, Volume 3, Issue 91, critically examines claims made by UFO contactees and researchers, while also exploring scientific aspects related to atmospheric flight.

Analysis of UFO Claims

The issue begins by dissecting the narrative of T. Lobsang Rampa, whose book "The Third Eye" and associated articles are described as riddled with inaccuracies. The editor reveals that Rampa's true identity is Cyril Henry Hoskins, a plumber's son from Ireland, and concludes that his claimed experiences with Flying Saucers are fiction and hold no value for genuine research. This is presented as a significant debunking of a prominent figure in the UFO community.

George Adamski's Statements

George Adamski is featured in two news items. One discusses his confirmation with the Air Force regarding a period from February 10th to February 20th for global announcements about Flying Saucers, with February 13th being a key date for sightings and landings. The magazine notes that these dates have passed without such announcements. Another item reports Adamski's claim of receiving a letter from a "Government department" in America confirming contact with a man from Venus on November 20th, 1952. However, closer inspection reveals the letter was from a Mr. Straith of the "Cultural Exchange Committee" of the Dept of State, and the magazine questions Adamski's act of betraying a confidence. The article suggests that Mr. Straith may have had access to Air Force files and that the U.S. Government's silence on the matter could be interpreted as tacit support by Adamski's followers.

The Yorkshire Object

Item II reports on an object found in Yorkshire, described as being shaped like a spinning top and having fallen from the sky. It was purchased for a few pounds and weighed between three to four stone (approximately 35 lbs). The object is made of 3/16 copper and left no impression in the ground. Inside, a 'copper book' with hieroglyphics was found, containing a message translated as coming from "Ulo" stating "we are a fierce race no one from any other planet has landed on the Earth." Mr. Avendel, who examined the object, believes it to be a hoax, and the article suggests that police investigation might shed more light on the incident. The conclusion is that material evidence and genuine visitors from space are still awaited.

Letter from Meade Layne

A letter from Meade Layne expresses appreciation for the magazine's favorable references to the interpretation of aeroforms (UFOs) as etheric constructs. Layne argues that space ships are material when visible and tangible, and "etheric" when they dematerialize. He attributes the difficulty in accepting this concept to a lack of understanding of elementary metaphysical concepts.

Bluntly Speaking: Meteorites and Missile Design

This section, written by Gaston Burridge, discusses the work of Dr. H.H. Nininger, a meteoriteist. Nininger observed that meteorites, as they fall through the atmosphere, develop a hemispherical contour at their forward end due to intense heat and friction. He reasoned that this shape would be ideal for missile noses ascending into space through the atmosphere.

Nininger first published this idea in 1935 and later in 1940, suggesting that ballistics engineers should study meteorite forms. Despite his efforts to present this idea to various U.S. Government agencies and scientists, it was largely ignored or dismissed. The article details Nininger's correspondence with Dr. Richard C. Tolman in 1942, which was acknowledged but seemingly without significant impact.

In 1952, the magazine "Science News Letter" published an article about a newly developed "needle-nosed missile." Believing this to be the wrong approach, Nininger contacted Ames Aeronautical Laboratories, providing sketches and data to support his blunt nose theory. However, Ames Laboratories dismissed his ideas as having no value.

Remarkably, in June 1957, "Science News Letter" reported on the adoption of the blunt nose for new high-velocity missiles, developed by Dr. H. Julian Allen at Ames Laboratories, who received the Distinguished Service Cross. Nininger wrote to Ames again, pointing out his earlier correspondence. Ames acknowledged the previous exchange but stated that Dr. Allen was already working on the concept and that due to its classified nature, Nininger's ideas were deemed valueless at the time.

The author of "Bluntly Speaking" expresses frustration that Ames Laboratories and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics appear to disregard Nininger's published works and correspondence, attributing the blunt nose idea solely to Dr. Allen. The article concludes that while Dr. Allen successfully applied the principle, the origin of the idea should be credited to Dr. Nininger, especially if the award was for the application rather than the origin.

Dr. Nininger is described as the Director of the American Meteorite Museum in Sedona, Arizona, with extensive experience and publications on meteorites.

Odd Bits

This section presents several brief news items and opinions:

• Gray Barker's Bulletin: The editor questions Gray Barker's recent shift in tone, noting his defense of Rampa (Hoskins) and downplaying criticisms of Adamski's photos, suggesting a change from his usual stance.
• Canadian Report Sheet: A report from Canada, edited by Gene Duplantier, presents news items from cuttings and magazines. One item quotes Wilbur B. Smith, a Federal Government Engineer, suggesting that Earth may have been colonized by intelligent beings who view Sputniks as mere children's toys.
• Interplanetary War Speculation: An article in Ray Palmer's magazine "Flying Saucers" titled "Are we preparing for interplanetary war" is mentioned, based on tenuous presumptions about military and scientific projects during the International Geophysical Year.
• Inverted Saucer Design: Dr. W.F. Hilton advocates for an "inverted saucer" type construction for space vehicles re-entering Earth's atmosphere.
• Flying Saucer Art Show: The Lacamo Gallery in New York hosted a Flying Saucer art show, featuring 1,000 paintings by Paulina Peauy, who claims to have identified Unidentified Flying Objects after twenty-five years of work.

Other New Publications

• "Jesus Flew to Heaven Planet in a Space Ship." (Jefferson City, 1957) - Details and price not provided.
• A new Keziah Chart listing 1350 items on saucer shapes and formations, with 10 drawings of saucer people, available for 12/- in the sterling area.
• "Saucer Post" by Leonard Stringfield (Crifco, 1957) - Described as factual and interesting, priced at 22/6 in the sterling area.
• "The Race to the Moon" by the Scientist of Venus (London, 1958) - Priced at 9/6 or $1.75, it is considered a worthy successor to "Venus Speaks" but lacks detail on the struggle to reach the moon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, particularly those of contactees like Adamski and Rampa, highlighting inconsistencies and potential hoaxes. There is a strong emphasis on scientific analysis, as seen in the detailed discussion of Dr. Nininger's work on meteorites and its relevance to aerospace engineering. The editorial stance is skeptical towards unsubstantiated claims and advocates for evidence-based research, while also acknowledging the ongoing public interest in UFO phenomena and related scientific advancements. The publication appears to be a platform for both debunking dubious claims and exploring more scientifically grounded aspects of the UFO subject.