Uranus - 1958 - Vol 04 No 6 - Whole No 24

Magazine Overview

Title: SATELLITES AND SPACE TRAVEL
Issue: Vol. 4, No. 6
Date: May/June 1958
Publisher: MARKHAM HOUSE PRESS LTD.
Country: United Kingdom
Editor: David Wightman

This issue of "Satellites and Space Travel" presents a collection of articles exploring various facets of space exploration, unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and the implications of potential extra-terrestrial contact. The magazine maintains a critical yet inquisitive stance, analyzing phenomena and reports with a degree of skepticism.

Unsolved Problems

The lead article, "Unsolved Problems," posits that the existence of beings or creatures observing Earth with advanced technology is proof of a more highly evolved life form on our planet, one that has overcome hazards confronting human astronauts. It suggests that significant progress in space travel research is being made, though much of it is kept secret. A major challenge highlighted is cosmic radiation, which poses a significant hazard to astronauts outside Earth's atmosphere. The article cites L.R. Shepherd's work, noting that while provisional estimates suggest cosmic rays constitute a marginal hazard, prolonged exposure to levels above tolerance may not be safe. The origin of cosmic rays is discussed as obscure, but they are accepted as highly energized, electrically charged particles, likely protons, which interact complexly with the atmosphere, producing secondary particles that can damage living tissue. The article questions whether space visitors have found ways to mitigate this hazard or if it is less severe than anticipated. It concludes by emphasizing the urgency of further research into cosmic radiation, noting that the hazard exists on Earth as well.

An Analysis of a Photograph Taken Over Iceland

By Lonzo Dove, this article examines photographs from the June 30th, 1954, solar eclipse in Iceland, which were claimed to show flying saucers. Dove analyzes a diagram derived from a photograph supplied by Skuli Skulason of Reykjavik. He concludes that the phenomenon is not a flying saucer but a typical lens reflection, likely caused by a "strong lens" with multiple reflecting surfaces. Dove explains that the pattern of circles and condensations forms a straight line through the center of the image, creating symmetrical parts. He argues that a real object would not orient itself in such precise geometry relative to a light source and camera, and such a prominent object would be visible to the naked eye. He suggests that the same lens, with equivalent exposure and tilt, could produce a similar reflection from a distant lamp bulb.

An Analysis of Published Reports on Contacts with Extra-Terrestrials (Part II)

Authored by Isabel Davies, this section critically evaluates reports from individuals claiming contact with extra-terrestrials. Davies challenges the uniformity presented in these accounts, arguing that habitable planets in the vastness of space should exhibit diverse conditions that would profoundly affect any intelligent life. She questions why, despite millions of years of environmental differences on Earth leading to diverse life forms, space life is depicted as uniform. Davies also scrutinizes the behavior of the "Little Men" described in some contact stories, finding it incomprehensible and noting their lack of communication or profound messages. She contrasts this with "communication contactees" who are more talkative and persistent. Davies points out the public's skepticism towards both types of contact and notes that witnesses to "little men" encounters often retreat into silence due to ridicule. She further critiques the claims of advanced science and technology by space beings, highlighting blunders in their narratives and questioning why they don't share their knowledge more effectively, suggesting they could learn from Earth's teaching methods. Davies specifically mentions the "rectroscope" from "Clarion" as an example of a gadget that enables viewing any event anywhere, noting its exclusivity among the reported space visitors. She also briefly mentions George Adamski's polaroid pictures from "Inside the Space Ships."

Davies further questions the "non-interference policy" claimed by space beings, arguing that the act of contacting humans itself constitutes interference. She finds it absurd that beings with superior intelligence would choose "missionaries" with limited influence, rather than scientists or military personnel. She poses the question of why individuals like Ghandi or Albert Schweitzer, who worked for peace, were not contacted. Davies concludes that much of the evidence presented by contactees is unsatisfactory, citing useless photographs, ambiguous witnesses, and unavailable extra-terrestrial substances for analysis. She notes that the famous footprint and camera plate associated with Adamski's first story are difficult to discuss due to their age and the limited framework of the story. She also comments on the "sincerity" of contactees, stating it is a subjective judgment and not proof of the claims.

A Consideration of Saucer Bases (Part I)

This article begins by acknowledging the significant progress in astronomy and space exploration, noting the increasing focus on the Moon, Mars, and Venus as manned rocket travel becomes a practical possibility. It suggests that features of UFO reports indicate craft constructed from unknown metals or alloys, though proof is lacking. The article touches upon speculation regarding UFO propulsion methods, mentioning contributions from researchers like C.F.Krafft and theories outlined by Lt. Plantier. It poses the question of UFO origins, stating that one fact, though briefly mentioned, has not received adequate consideration: the nature of their bases.

Other Sections

That Letter: A section for correspondence from readers.
The Silpho Moor Mystery (No More): Likely a case study or report on a specific event.
Flying Saucer Pilgrimage: Possibly an account of travel related to UFO investigations or sightings.
Life: A general article on life, possibly in the context of space or biology.
Odd Bits: A collection of miscellaneous short items or news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of space, the scientific analysis of UFO phenomena, and a critical examination of extra-terrestrial contact claims. The magazine adopts a stance that is both open to the possibilities of advanced life and space travel, and rigorous in its demand for evidence and logical consistency. The editorial approach appears to favor scientific reasoning and skepticism when evaluating extraordinary claims, particularly those made by contactees, while acknowledging the ongoing mysteries and potential of space exploration. The focus on cosmic radiation highlights the tangible scientific challenges of space travel, grounding the more speculative aspects of the magazine in real-world concerns.

Title: URANUS
Issue: July 1957
Volume: 1957
Publisher: URANUS
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of URANUS explores the possibility of extraterrestrial bases within our solar system, with a particular focus on Mars as a potential UFO operations center. It blends scientific information about planets with anecdotal evidence and theories from UFO researchers and contactees.

Mars: A Potential UFO Base?

The magazine begins by examining our planetary neighbours – the Moon, Venus, and Mars – as potential locations for UFO operations. While acknowledging that astronomical information is subject to revision, it dismisses other planets as bases based on scientific evidence. Bases on Earth are considered possible by some but deferred for discussion. The primary focus shifts to Mars, presented as the most likely body capable of sustaining intelligent life.

Scientific Profile of Mars

Key facts about Mars are presented: a diameter slightly more than half that of Earth, a surface gravity of 38% of Earth's, and an escape velocity of 11,200 mph. Its mean distance from the Sun is 141.5 million miles, and from Earth, it's 48.5 million miles (closest at 36 million miles). Mars has an orbital period of approximately 687 days, with a speed of 15 miles per second. It comes to opposition every 780 days, allowing for optimal study for two to three months every alternate year. The Martian day is only half an hour longer than Earth's, and its axial inclination is similar (25 degrees, 12 minutes). The permanent markings on Mars's disc indicate that astronomers are observing its surface, not just its atmosphere. The atmosphere is described as dense enough for terrestrial visitors to forgo space suits, though breathing apparatus would be needed due to the presence of only minute amounts of oxygen, with Carbon Dioxide and predominantly Nitrogen making up the atmosphere.

Life on Mars: Expert Opinions

Patrick Moore, in his "Space Encyclopaedia," suggests that while there is strong evidence of vegetation on Mars, the thin atmosphere seems to preclude advanced life forms or even animals. He dismisses Lowell's idea of a planet-wide civilization, stating that Mars is more inviting than Venus or the Moon and shows indications of being a living, not a dead, world.

Evidence for UFO Intelligence Operations on Mars

The issue then delves into whether UFO intelligences are using Mars as a base. It references a previous URANUS issue and a new observation by Dr. Olavo Fontes, who noted that UFO activity seems to peak approximately every two years, coinciding with Mars's nearest approach. Lonzo Dove is mentioned as a researcher who has long maintained that saucers come from Mars, presenting charts that show a considerable increase in sightings every 780 days (the Mars synodic period). The Wardle (Rochdale, Lancs) incident from URANUS April 1957 is cited, with reporters concluding a similar pattern after reviewing sighting reports.

The potential public reaction to a disclosure that UFOs are using Mars as an observation and operational base is considered, suggesting that uncertainty about this reaction might be the cause of official secrecy.

UFO Literature and Contactee Accounts

"That Letter" Controversy

A section titled "THAT LETTER" addresses a publicized letter from Mr. R.E. Straith of the U.S. Dept of State to George Adamski. Desmond Leslie held a press conference distributing copies of this letter. The article suggests Adamski was misled, claiming he had checked the letter's authenticity and that Mr. Straith's position would not be jeopardized. The author of the article implies Adamski did not verify the letter properly, noting it was on official letterhead. Leslie is also criticized for making a similar mistake, with a past quote from Leslie expressing unwavering faith in Adamski being recalled.

The Silpho Moor Mystery

Brief mention is made of a reported UFO landing on Silpho Moor in Yorkshire. Investigations into this incident have been disappointing.

"Flying Saucer Pilgrimage" Book Review

The magazine reviews the book "The Flying Saucer Pilgrimage" by Bryant and Helen Reeve. The authors reportedly covered 23,000 miles, meeting with "Saucerers," taking photographs, and gathering information. The publishers describe the book as offering clear answers to natural questions, being humorous, entertaining, profound, and thought-provoking, and suggesting that the experience of seeing saucers is often just the beginning of a larger adventure.

Medina Encounter Discrepancies

An account from the Reeve book details their meeting with Salvador Villanueva Medina, a Mexican taxi driver who claimed to have spent a night with two Saucer pilots. This account is compared to a previous report in "Flying Saucer Review" obtained by Desmond Leslie. The article highlights significant differences between the two stories, particularly regarding Medina's behavior while waiting and the number of spacemen involved. The editor's correspondence with Leslie to clarify these discrepancies is mentioned, noting that the irregularities remain and have even been magnified. The article suggests that Medina's storytelling does not reflect the remarkable photographic memory he was said to possess.

Life Beyond Earth: Scientific Speculation

Defining Life

Under the heading "LIFE," the magazine poses difficult questions about the nature of consciousness and non-humanoid intelligence capable of interstellar craft. It then discusses the scientific definition of life, which requires a substance to grow, reproduce, and react to stimuli. The article notes that life could exist in forms bearing no resemblance to terrestrial organisms, with neither oxygen nor water being theoretically essential. The key prerequisites are carbon or silicon and a moderate temperature.

Hypothetical Extraterrestrial Forms

Speculation on life forms on other planets includes:

• Moon Men: Silicon-based, possibly transparent, feeding on primitive plant forms.
• Brain Men of Mars: Highly mentally developed, relying on super machines, with bodily energy supplied by green plants.
• Fish Men of Venus: Inhabiting a warm ocean, possibly with 'lobster jaws', and having "saucer-like eyes" and luminous bodies.
• Sliding Men of Jupiter: Midgets adapted to Jupiter's high gravity.
• Radar Men of Saturn: "Super cooled" beings capable of using radar for navigation and communication.

The article questions whether such beings could conceive of and build flying machines capable of interstellar travel with "uncanny accuracy."

Odd Bits and Inventions

The Toppler Hill Incident

An incident involving a Mr. Whitworth of Shefford, Bedfordshire, is recounted. He was asked if he wanted to meet an "F.S." (Flying Saucer?) and subsequently met a stranger who directed him to a spot on November 28th, 1956, where he saw a "circular object with beams of light." A year later, the same stranger directed him to observe an object making a complete circle in the sky, which was seen by Whitworth and a group, including Flt.Lt. Hunter, as an "amber coloured object flying at 100 to 150 mph" that made no noise.

Armstrong Circle Theatre Controversy

An incident in America involving the Armstrong Circle Theatre program is mentioned, which featured Air Force officials presenting explanations for UFO sightings. Major Donald Keyhoe, speaking for UFO proponents, was reportedly faded out when he deviated from the script. The magazine states it has a full tape recording and transcript of Keyhoe's statements.

New Propulsion Inventions

News of two inventions concerning new methods of propulsion is briefly mentioned. A demonstration by an inventor, Mr. C.H. Henderson, did not go well, but he continues his work. Another inventor, Mr. Otis T. Carr, has flown experimental models and offered his device to the U.S. government, which initially showed interest but then rejected it. The article notes that such inventors are often not recognized until long after their deaths.

Negative Matter in the Solar System

An article on the Duranton Theory of Negative Matter in the Solar System is announced for the June issue of "The Pendulum." This theory is suggested as a possible explanation for the strange behavior of certain planets and why some Flying Saucers are unable to risk landing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of URANUS include the scientific investigation of planetary bodies for signs of life and potential UFO activity, the analysis of UFO sightings and their correlation with astronomical events, and the presentation of contactee accounts and speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both scientific data and anecdotal evidence, while also critically examining the claims made by contactees and researchers. There is a clear interest in exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and its potential interactions with Earth, alongside a cautious approach to hoaxes and unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the "That Letter" and Silpho Moor sections. The magazine also highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding UFO research, such as the Armstrong Circle Theatre incident.

This document is a catalogue from Markham House Press, dated April 1958, titled "FLYING SAUCER BOOKS". It lists a comprehensive selection of books related to flying saucers, UFOs, and associated phenomena, available in English, French, and German, along with their prices. The publication also includes a section on relevant periodicals.

English Language Books

The extensive list of English books covers a wide range of authors and titles. Notable authors include Adamski, R. Alexander, O. Angelucci, G. Barker, A. Constance, C. Fort, D. W. Fry, K. W. Gatland, G. Gibbons, A. Glazewski, W. Girvan, D. Howard, M. K. Jessup, D. E. Keyhoe, C. F. Krafft, C. E. Last, M. Layne, D. Leslie, A. Michel, Max Miller, Earl Nelson, Lobsang Rampa, B. & H. Reeve, C. Richardson, E. J. Ruppelt, F. Scully, L. H. Stringfield, E. F. Sykes, R. Thornton, Van Tassel, and G. H. Williamson. The prices are listed in shillings and pence, with some also indicated in US dollars.

Some of the titles mentioned are "Inside the Space Ships" by Adamski, "Secret of the Saucers" by Angelucci, "They knew too much about F.S." by Barker, "The Inexplicable Sky" by Constance, "Works (1125 pages)" by Fort, "To Men of Earth" by Fry, "Inhabited Universe" by Gatland, "They rode in Space Ships" by Gibbons, "New suspension of Magnetic Needle" by Glazewski, "F.S. & Common Sense" by Girvan, "Flight to Venus" by Howard, "She came from Venus" by Howard, "Expanding Case for UFO" by Jessup, "1956 UFO Annual" by Jessup, "F.S. from Outer Space" by Keyhoe, "F.S. Conspiracy" by Keyhoe, "Ether and its Vortices" by Krafft, "Glimpses of the Unknown" by Krafft, "Man in the Universe" by Last, "Coming of the Guardians" by Layne, "F.S. have landed" by Leslie, "Truth about F.S." by Michel, "F.S. Fact or Fiction?" by Miller, "There is Life on Mars." by Nelson, "The Third Eye" by Rampa, "Flying Saucer Pilgrimage" by Reeve, "Venus Speaks" by Richardson, "Race to the Moon" by Richardson, "Report on UFO" by Ruppelt, "Behind the F.S." by Scully, "Saucer Post 3-0 Blue" by Stringfield, "F.S. & Negative Matter" and "Negative or C.T.Matter" by Sykes, "The Unified Field" by Thornton, "Into this World and Out" by Van Tassel, and "Other Tongues - Other Flesh" and "Saucers Speak" by Williamson.

French and German Language Books

In addition to English titles, the catalogue features books in French and German. French titles include "Les S.V. viennent d'un autre monde" by J. Guieu, "L'Espace Vaincu" by M. Lenoir, "Mars, Aller-Retour" by F. L. Neher, and "Propulsion des S.V." by J. Plantier. German titles include "Taonitas" by J. V. Arbter, "AHC Bombe am Tage X", "Gericht Gottes uber die Volker", "Ultimatum des Weltalls" by H. Grettler, and "F.S. uber Sud Africa" by E. Sievers. An English edition of Sievers' book was promised for summer 1958.

Periodicals

The "PERIODICALS" section lists several relevant magazines and journals: "URANUS (London)" (6 issues for 11/- or $1.50, 12 issues for 21/- or $3.00), "Australian Saucer Record (Kilburn)" (5 issues for 11/- or $1.50), "Saucers (Los Angeles)" (6 issues for 16/-), and "Weltraumbote (Zurich)" (8 issues for 11/- or $1.50).

Services Offered

Markham House Press states that copies of most American and Foreign saucer publications are available, with quotations provided on request. They also offer to write for copies of their lists of books and publications on subjects such as Radiesthesia, Atlantis & Lost Continents, and Space Travel. They emphasize their willingness to help customers find what they are looking for, requesting detailed information such as author, publisher, date, and place.

Publisher Information

The publisher, MARKHAM HOUSE PRESS, LTD., is located at 31 King's Road, London, S.W.3.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this document is the dissemination of literature on flying saucers and related extraterrestrial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be that of a specialized bookseller dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of materials on the subject to enthusiasts and researchers. The inclusion of books in multiple languages and a variety of periodicals suggests an effort to cater to a dedicated and potentially international audience interested in UFO research.