Uranus - 1958 - Vol 05 No 2 - Whole No 26

Magazine Overview

Title: URANUS SPACE TRAVEL
Issue: Vol. 5, No. 2
Date: September/October 1958
Editor: DAVID WIGHTMAN
First Editor: E. BIDDLE
Publisher: MARKHAM HOUSE PRESS LTD.
Country: United Kingdom
Price: 2/- or 35c
Frequency: Published every second month.

This issue of URANUS SPACE TRAVEL addresses current trends in Ufology, scientific discussions about the planet Venus, and reports on radar tracking of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Editorial: Straight from the Shoulder

The editorial section, titled "(If the publishers allow it)", aims for "straight from the shoulder talking about the present trends in Ufology." The editor outlines four key criticisms:

1. Hoax Letters: Several sources indicate that hoax letters have been sent out, with one notable example being the "Straith-Adamski letter." The editor notes that the C.S.I. of New York is close to identifying the responsible party. He expresses skepticism about the authenticity of such letters and questions the motive behind keeping the subject "alive" through dubious means.
2. Sensationalist Magazines: The editor criticizes magazines that profess an "open minded policy" but rashly publish unchecked material under sensational "banner headlines." He cites "Photographs of the Century" as an example, where fakes are feebly supported by unhelpful text.
3. "Twisting by Emphasis": This practice involves emphasizing sections of a reprinted news item to infer a meaning not originally intended, or paraphrasing to deliberately mislead the reader. A "well known saucerzine" is cited as an example of this.
4. Publication of Worthless Material: The "Howard Menger Story" is presented as an example of worthless material, with the editor noting that Menger's wife has denounced his claims. URANUS states its commitment to facts and truth, asserting that no material is better than that of the Menger story's caliber.

Saucer Bases? Venus

This article explores the planet Venus as our closest planetary neighbor. It highlights that its surface is perpetually covered by clouds, making direct observation difficult. Early astronomers like Schroter observed irregularities suggesting mountains, a view later challenged by Herschel. The current understanding is that Venus might be a moist, steamy world with primitive life, though controversy persists regarding its clouds.

The article details Venus's dimensions and mass, which are similar to Earth's (diameter 7,700 miles, mass 0.83 of Earth). However, the similarity ends there. A major puzzle is its axial rotation period, with recent radio astronomy suggesting a different period than the previously favored 28 Earth days. It's speculated that Venus may have a dense ionosphere.

J.D. Kraus in America derived a rotation period of 22 hours 17 minutes based on radio waves penetrating the ionosphere. The phenomenon of "the Ashen light" of Venus, similar to "the Old Moon in the new Moon's arms," is discussed as difficult to explain without a satellite, possibly being an aurora. Observations over 64 years suggest a strong magnetic field, though results are uncertain.

Analysis of Venus's upper atmosphere reveals no oxygen or water vapor, but profuse carbon dioxide. Coupled with its proximity to the Sun, this indicates a high surface temperature, supported by radio observations. The atmosphere is deemed unfavorable for advanced life. Theories about the clouds include them being in violent motion, suggesting a dust bowl, or alternatively, that the surface is covered by water (Whipple and Menzell).

Fred Hoyle's theories suggest Venus and Earth are composed of similar material with rock-iron cores. He posits that Venus originally had an excess of hydrocarbons over water, leading to oxygen absorption and hydrogen escape, resulting in a surface perpetually covered by thick white clouds, possibly consisting of oil droplets and smog.

The article concludes that the clouds are not artificial and their nature remains unclear. It anticipates that future theories about Venus will be revised as new "facts" emerge.

• Data on Venus:
• Distance from Sun: 67,200,000 miles
• Orbital inclination: 3.4
• Period of Rotation: 224 Days
• Axial Rotation: ?
• Velocity: 21.7 m/s
• Orbital Eccentricity: 0.007
• Diameter: 7,700 m
• Escape Velocity: 6.3
• Mass: 0.83 of Earth
• Density: 5.2
• Gravity: 0.85

Those Stalled Car Engines and Extinguished Lights

This section reviews "Saucers, Space and Science," a Canadian publication. The editor, Gene Duplantier, found a newsclipping in the Toronto Daily Star that might explain "weird goings-on in Texas and other American states late last year." This refers to phenomena involving stalled car engines and extinguished lights.

The article then details experiments by a noted Toronto doctor, Dr. Cotton, conducted from 1935 to 1952. His widow, Mrs. Ruby Cotton, stated that he was working on a mysterious "death ray" at the time of his death. This ray, identified as microwaves, was produced by a complex electrical apparatus and was powerful enough to stop car engines, extinguish lights, and kill small animals through brick walls. Dr. Cotton had harnessed this apparatus with underground tubing to avoid interfering with neighbors' cars.

Dr. Cotton's papers, intended for book publication, described the medical uses of the ray. His equipment details were registered with the U.S. patent office. Mrs. Cotton believes that scientists connected with the U.S. armed services may have studied these patents. Shortly before World War II, German scientists reportedly visited Dr. Cotton and tried to persuade him to take his experiments to Germany, but he refused. The article also mentions a report from 1937/39 about a German scientist near Breslau (Silesia) who could stop motor vehicles at a distance of a kilometer or more.

Flying Saucers on Radar - Mystery Solved?

This article discusses radar tracking of UFOs, acknowledging that in some cases, the trackings were of solid objects. It categorizes these incidents into two types: those followed by a Jet-UFO chase, and those where "blips" appeared on radar screens but no object was visually detected, even when aircraft were scrambled.

The earliest incident of this kind in contemporary ufology, according to Keyhoe's "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy," is the "Nansei-shoto riddle." This occurred during the last year of the war near Okinawa, where a flight of 200-300 "bogeys" appeared on radar screens heading towards an American naval task force. Despite interceptor planes being sent up, no visual contact was made as the objects passed over the ships. The article dismisses temperature inversions as an explanation, stating the radar sets indicated a large flight in formation.

England also reported "invisible saucers" for seven consecutive days in September 1954, which flew in formation but were never sighted visually. In April of the current year (1958), similar phenomena were reported in England and over the Arctic continent. Five UFOs were tracked on radar screens at the Atom bomber base in Lakenheath, Suffolk, approaching the base and 80 miles from London. No other aircraft were flying in the area, and the official explanation was "bad weather conditions."

Several reports from the U.S.A. state that UFOs have been frequently tracked on "Dewline" radar-scopes, but despite jet fighter scrambles, the objects remain unidentified. A Reuter release mentioned "Interference by high frequency transmitters creating artificial blips." The editor recalls visiting the Air Ministry in London on April 21st, 1956, where he asked about radar blips appearing for seven consecutive days in Southern England. He was warned not to repeat the answer, which was that the radar returns were caused by experiments to "effect false returns" on radar screens.

The article suggests that this could be another "secret weapon" possessed by the Russians, Americans, and the British. It questions whether this is an excuse for authorities to dismiss radar reports of Flying Saucers. The latest statement from America that UFOs do not constitute a direct physical threat is contrasted with the fact that false radar returns could disrupt flight plans, and interception is the only method to establish the physical nature of unknowns. The article concludes that this development does not lessen the certainty of solid UFOs existing or their extra-terrestrial origin.

Other Sections

The issue also includes sections for "The Astronautical Congress," "The KM Airliner Crash," "Odd Bits," and "Letters," as well as a listing of "F.S. Journals in Australasia, S. America, Africa."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are critical analysis of Ufology, scientific inquiry into planetary phenomena (specifically Venus), and the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena through radar and other technological means. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards sensationalism and hoaxes, advocating for factual reporting and rigorous scientific investigation. The magazine aims to present information that is factual and avoids speculation or misrepresentation, distinguishing itself from what it perceives as less credible "saucerzines."

This issue of "Uranus" magazine, dated December 1957, features a cover headline "A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE" and delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related scientific speculation. The publication appears to be from the United Kingdom.

Article: A Significant Change

The editorial discusses the ongoing mystery surrounding UFOs, acknowledging that their origin and purpose remain unknown. It notes that claimed physical contacts with extraterrestrials have largely been disproven or are highly doubtful. Psychic channels are also deemed unreliable due to fakes and inexperience, with no genuine psychic literature referencing extraterrestrial space ships. Radio contact efforts, like those by John Otto, are central to a heated controversy and are considered doubtful.

The article highlights a shift in research focus, with fewer researchers pursuing contactees and more attention being paid to reports of "little men" and "monsters." Lex Mebane of CSI, New York, is mentioned as having 100 such cases on record. Aime Michel's book, "Flying Saucers and the Straight Line Mystery," is noted for its coverage of cases in France during September-October 1954.

Article: Willie Ley on Extraterrestrial Life

Willie Ley, a science fiction writer and skeptic specializing in zoology and biology, spoke at a CSI public meeting on May 23rd, '58, on the topic "What would an extraterrestrial look like from a correct scientific point of view?" Ley recounted a discussion with Sprague de Camp from about 20 years prior, where they explored the characteristics of intelligent alien life. They concluded that intelligent life builds things, grows more intelligent, and eventually uses metals, ruling out underwater civilizations. They also deduced that such beings would need eyes to see, adapted to their planet's atmospheric transparency.

Ley further elaborated on scientific reasoning: extraterrestrials would likely have organs like hands for manipulation, ruling out tentacle-like appendages. They would also need legs for movement. A notable observation was that Earth creatures with internal skeletons do not have more than four limbs, a potential natural law. Additionally, an extraterrestrial could not be much smaller than a human due to the need for sufficient body cells to support a brain, nor much larger due to the square-cube law, which would make them clumsy. Ley concluded that an alien, seen from a distance by someone needing glasses, might be indistinguishable from a human, though minor evolutionary accidents could lead to differences like ear size or the presence/absence of a tail.

Ley also addressed the possibility of life under different chemical constitutions, mentioning silicon-based life as a theoretical but less versatile alternative to carbon. He suggested that at very low temperatures, alternative chemistries might exist, but current knowledge is insufficient to confirm or deny this. He believes that any space visitors would likely adhere to Earth's chemistry and the mechanical laws governing terrestrial life.

Article: The Astronautical Congress

Announcements from the Astronautical Congress in Amsterdam have made headlines, with scientists focusing on future space travel. The recent success of the Russian Sputnik is mentioned, along with attempts to reach the Moon. The article speculates that an instrumented satellite might soon send pictures of the Moon's dark side.

Britain's space efforts are also highlighted, with Dr. Leslie Shepherd announcing plans for an "electric rocket." Research is in the paper stage, with a potential ship completion in ten years at a cost of £20,000,000. Speeds of 100,000 to 200,000 mph are mentioned for trips to the Moon. Britain also plans to launch its own artificial satellite in the "not too remote future."

On August 27th, two Russian dogs were successfully sent into space and returned alive, strengthening the belief that Russia is focusing on manned satellites rather than Moon rockets. A total of 14 dogs have been recovered from Russian space rocket tests.

However, enthusiasm was tempered by Prof. Singer of America, who spoke of a deadly radioactive cloud hovering 250 miles from Earth, 40,000 miles deep, which could kill a man in three hours. He suggested using a large unmanned satellite to "sweep" a path through it. Another newspaper quoted Singer suggesting "sputnik dustmen" could clear a safe alley. The article notes that magnetic fields might create a radiation-free whirlpool, allowing safe passage for rockets, potentially restricting launches to polar areas.

Article: The KLM Airliner Crash

This section discusses the mysterious crash of a KLM airliner into the Atlantic, adding it to a list of aircraft that have met with grief under peculiar circumstances. The pattern of events includes severed radio contact and mid-air breakup. The inquest attributed the deaths to "impact." The article predicts a "metal fatigue" explanation will likely be offered later. It questions the nature of the "impact" and suggests that UFOs might be involved, especially if radio failure prevents their reporting. The author criticizes the authorities for denying a pattern in UFO sightings while old researchers recognize one, and notes a similar pattern in air crashes coinciding with car engine cut-outs.

Article: Odd Bits

Britain's Rocket Kids: Harvey Elliot and Myer Morron from Scotland have permission to build and launch a 9ft space rocket from a balloon platform at 100,000 ft, controlled by radio. They have received backing from several firms and plan to gather information on cosmic rays. This is contrasted with US "space kids" whose rockets have been detected by radar and pose a risk to air traffic.

British Flying Saucer Project: Armstrong Whitworth is undertaking Britain's first space project, a "Flying Saucer" intended for two men. Dr. W. Hilton, an aerodynamic expert, has conducted experiments with model saucers in wind tunnels, simulating speeds up to 8,000 mph and temperatures of 30,000°C, aiming to solve the re-entry problem. The research suggests that electrified air, when heated, can be controlled, possibly similar to the ZETA process. Extracts from a talk by Dr. Hilton at a 1957 symposium are mentioned, noting a discrepancy in the reported heat control temperatures between his earlier presentation and recent announcements, suggesting rapid progress.

UFO Research Group Comments: The Tec-Side UFO Research Group, in their quarterly bulletins, comment on "different soucerzines." They highly recommend "URANUS" for its editorial policy, which is critical and likely makes enemies but is dedicated to TRUTH. They believe important investigators will find the publication a "must."

Article: Tees-Side UFO Research Group Bulletin

The Tees-Side UFO Research Group, active for over a year, has managed to navigate through cranks, hoaxers, and various fringe movements. They have encountered numerous reports of "little green men," time travelers, and psychic mediums. Despite these challenges, they remain focused on seeking answers to the purpose and origin of UFOs.

Letters

Uranus - Letters Section:

A letter discusses the "LEN IN BLACK COATS" story as a potential hoax. The writer, who has publicized UFOs for years, has not personally encountered "men in black coats" and believes such secrecy groups are a construct of government agencies unwilling to acknowledge UFOs. The letter notes excellent sightings in the NW but agrees with an analysis that the Angelucci, Adamski, and Fry people are not "out of this world" enough to be convincing. The writer finds Adamski's work technically sound, and if his photos are fake, they are at least good models.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the mystery of UFOs, moving beyond simple sightings to delve into scientific speculation about extraterrestrial life and the practicalities of space travel. There's a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly regarding physical contactees and psychic phenomena, while acknowledging the efforts of serious researchers. The publication seems to champion a search for truth and encourages critical analysis of evidence, as seen in its support for the Tees-Side UFO Research Group's approach. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, tempered with skepticism towards sensationalism and a belief in the importance of rigorous investigation.

This document is a scanned page from the Summer issue of "Space Craft Digest," identified as page 39. The issue appears to be from 1958, based on the publication dates of the listed journals. The primary focus of the visible content is on UFO phenomena, international ufological cooperation, and related reports.

Content Analysis

Cover Story Highlight

The page prominently features a description of "one of the most amazing UFO photographs in existence," depicting a "Saucer type" UFO in the act of "dematerialization." The text suggests that more attention should be paid to the ideas of Swedenborg regarding "men" on other planets, stating that his impressions "cannot be ignored" until better evidence is available.

Correspondence and Opinions

Letter from J. Gorden Allen:

J. Gorden Allen, writing from Radio K-Gay in Salem, Oregon, USA, is credited with a brief comment, though the exact nature of his contribution is not fully detailed in this excerpt. It is implied he is responding to or commenting on the featured UFO photograph and related topics.

Letter from F. Van Wieringen:

A significant portion of the page is dedicated to a letter from Mr. F. Van Wieringen of the Dutch F.S. organization, "Plativilo." Van Wieringen expresses a critical view of a "mentality" he encountered in the last issue of "URANUS," which he believes is not conducive to being a true ufologist. He argues that discouragement should not stem from the inactivity of UFOs, public disbelief, or official counteractions. Instead, he points to a "lack of international co-operation, exchange and joint-investigation" within the ufological community as the primary issue.

Van Wieringen emphasizes that investigating and publishing contact stories from around the world is not a matter of sensationalism or lunacy. He cites Lex Mebane of C.S.I. New York, who reported that their organization has documented over 100 cases involving "little men." Van Wieringen concludes by warning that persisting in a "20th century snobbery of not believing that which doesn't fit into the established pattern of the universe" could lead to an unpleasant situation where those who failed to prepare are the ones at fault.

Directory of UFO Journals

Page 40 provides a directory of "F.S. JOURNALS IN AUSTRALASIA, S. AFRICA, AFRICA," with a note that listings for Europe and Asia will appear in the next issue of "URANUS." The list includes:

AUSTRALASIA:

• Australian Saucer Record (Kilburn, S.Aust. - Fred Stone) - Spring 58
• Disc. Christchurch NZ. (D.A. Metcalf) - Oct. 57
• UFO Bulletin, Sydney, Aust. (A.F. Thomas) - Dec. 57
• Uforum, Toorak, Vic. (Peter Norris) - Dec. 57
• Flying Saucer (now Space Probe) Onehunga, NZ. (H.H. Fulton) - Spring 58

AFRICA:

• Approach, Pretoria. (Edgar Sievers) - July 58

S. AMERICA:

• Codouni, Buenos Aires, Arg. (null) - Spring 58
• Correio Interplanetario, Rio, Brazil (C.A. Bonow) - Dec. 56
• Flying Saucer, Sao Paulo, Brazil (A. Simoes) - Dec. 57
• Lumbre, Caracas, Venezuela (F.A. Lugo) - Sept. 57
• Progresso Esperito, Palomar, Arg. (Natalio Ceccarini) - Jul. 58
• UFO Critical Bull, Sao Paolo, Braz. (J.E. Faria) - Jun. 58
• Abbey, as from Titicaca, Peru. (posted Corpus Christi, Texas. (probably) H. Williamson) - May 57

Book Advertisement

An advertisement is present for a book titled "THE EVOLUTION OF MATTER" by A.W.P. Tulip. It is available post-free for 2/4 or 40 Cents from Markham House Press, Ltd, 31 Kings Road, London, S.W. 3.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this excerpt are the visual evidence of UFOs (specifically a dematerializing saucer), the historical context of extraterrestrial speculation (Swedenborg), and a strong call for improved international collaboration in ufological research. The editorial stance, as expressed through Van Wieringen's letter, is critical of insular approaches to ufology and emphasizes the importance of open investigation and information sharing, particularly regarding contactee experiences. The inclusion of a directory of international UFO journals reinforces the theme of global interest and the potential for a connected research community.