Uranus - 1958 - Vol 05 No 3 - Whole No 27

Magazine Overview

This issue of URANUS SPACE TRAVEL, dated November/December 1958, is Volume 5, Number 3. Edited by David Wightman, with E. Biddle as the First Editor, it is published every second month by Markham House Press Ltd., London. The cover headline prominently features "SATELLITES AND URANUS SPACE TRAVEL."

Contents

The issue features a diverse range of articles, including:

• Two Pioneers: Discusses the theories of Hanns Hoerbiger and A. Duranton.
• The Problems of Space Travel: Explores the scientific and physiological challenges of space flight.
• What is happening on the Moon: Reports on Soviet astronomical observations and lunar magnetic field theories.
• Interplanetary Bases Part IV: Continues a survey of planets in our solar system.
• Recent Developments in Nicap: (Title only, content not provided in scan)
• Soviet Views on Flying Saucers: (Title only, content not provided in scan)
• Space Travel - The Cold War and Philosophy: (Title only, content not provided in scan)
• Life on Other Worlds: (Title only, content not provided in scan)
• The Failure of the Lunar Probe: (Title only, content not provided in scan)
• Odd Bits: (Title only, content not provided in scan)

Two Pioneers

This article delves into the work of two significant figures in early space theory. Hanns Hoerbiger, in 1913, proposed a theory of planetary and lunar involution, suggesting that planets and moons spiral inwards due to gravity and eventually disintegrate. This process, he theorized, could explain phenomena like planetary rings and the formation and destruction of moons, potentially linking to Earth's Flood and geological periods. The article notes that inadequate measuring instruments have hindered verification, but recent lunar rocket launches might provide answers. The second pioneer discussed is A. Duranton, whose negative mass hypothesis suggests planets might be composed of negative matter. His ideas, published earlier this year, are presented as fascinating, awaiting confirmation from lunar probe results.

The Problems of Space Travel

This section addresses the layman's simplified view of space travel, contrasting it with the complex realities. It highlights that media coverage often focuses on speed and distance, overlooking crucial issues like the vacuum of space, meteoroid impacts, and the effects of gravity. The article explains the layman's familiarity with "G" force but the confusion surrounding "zero gravity." Space medicine experts are concerned about the long-term effects of weightlessness on the human body, particularly on balance and orientation, which rely heavily on gravity. The sensation of weightlessness is compared to the initial moments of a fall, and the brain's emergency response is noted. Experts are keen to study constant weightlessness, which poses more significant challenges than momentary sensations. Simple actions like picking up a pen or stooping become complicated in zero gravity, potentially causing disorientation. Sleep is also affected, with dreams of falling potentially leading to injury. The article suggests that providing "artificial gravity" is a complex engineering problem, with designs for orbital stations existing but not yet for actual spacecraft. It concludes that due to these challenges, only the very expert may be able to undertake space travel in the near future, while those under ten might have a better chance.

What is happening on the Moon

This article reports on recent Soviet astronomical findings concerning the Moon. In early November, Soviet Astronomer Professor Nokolai Kozyrev claimed to have observed a volcanic eruption in the Crater Alphonsus, a statement corroborated by Professor Alexander Mikhailov and disseminated by the TASS news agency. The report notes that for years, there have been observations of luminous emissions from lunar craters, with debate on whether these are volcanic eruptions or hot gas. The article also mentions that the American Army Lunar Rocket is expected to launch soon, potentially providing new photographic and television data. It highlights that even basic telescopes can spot the craters discussed. A recent issue of "New Scientist" is cited, reporting that Professor Kozyrev has proposed a new hypothesis regarding the Moon's magnetic field, supported by Professor J. Dubois of France. Both scientists believe the Moon has little to no magnetic field. Their reasoning is based on the observation that parts of the Moon's surface are luminescent, absorbing high-frequency light from solar bursts and re-emitting it at lower frequencies. This luminescence ceases at moonset, indicating no deflection of solar corpuscles, unlike Earth's magnetic field. The lack of deflection suggests the lunar magnetic field is very weak compared to Earth's.

Interplanetary Bases Part IV

This section continues a survey of the solar system, focusing on planets beyond Mars. It posits that UFOs are unlikely to be interested in planets beyond Mars, as there is no evidence of intelligent life on the giant planets. The minor planets and asteroids between Mars and Jupiter are described as insignificant, with Ceres being the largest at 500 miles in diameter and lacking an atmosphere. These are considered potential debris from a former planet. Jupiter, the largest planet, is detailed with its distance from the Sun, mass relative to Earth, density, and rapid rotation. Its twelve satellites are mentioned, with three being larger than Earth's Moon. Ganymede might retain atmospheric vestiges, and Jupiter's red spot is speculated to be a mountain protruding through ammonia clouds. Saturn is described with its distance from the Sun, equatorial and polar diameters, mass, and nine satellites, including Titan. The rings of Saturn are thought to be remnants of a satellite. Uranus, at a greater distance, has a very low surface temperature and five satellites, with Oberon being the largest. Spectroscopic research indicates methane and ammonia, suggesting a composition similar to Jupiter and Saturn. Neptune, slightly smaller than Uranus, has a greater mass and an even lower surface temperature, with two satellites, Triton and Nereid. Pluto, the smallest and furthest planet, is described as having a surface temperature of minus 400 degrees, black rock, and an irregular orbit, making it inhospitable. The article concludes that only Mars and Venus are considered worthy of consideration when discussing life in our solar system.

Other Sections

References: A list of books and publications related to time, tides, and the Moon is provided, including works by Sir R. Ball, Philip Fauth, H.P. Wilkins, P. Moore, A. Glazewski, and M. Nahas.

The Gravitational Field of the Moon: This section, likely part of the "What is happening on the Moon" article, discusses theories about the Moon's gravitational field. Mr. Freddy Ba Hill of Rangoon suggests gravity is an electrical force fitting Einstein's General Field Theory. The article questions how this fits with Korozey and Dubois' ideas and whether the absence of a magnetic field affects gravity. It also mentions Father Glazewski's 1950 suggestion that gravity is a function of spin, aligning with Professor Blackett's ideas. The weakness of the lunar field might be linked to the Moon's slow rotation.

Theory of Tides: A Parisian mathematician, M. Nahas, is reported to have recalculated the classical "Theory of Tides," finding previous calculations erroneous. His new data is deemed invaluable for future space travelers and may explain past failures in American Moon Rockets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the burgeoning field of space travel in the late 1950s. There's a strong emphasis on scientific exploration, theoretical physics, and the practical challenges of venturing beyond Earth. The magazine presents a blend of established scientific theories and speculative hypotheses, encouraging readers to consider the vast possibilities and complexities of space. The editorial stance appears to be one of informed curiosity and a desire to educate the public about the scientific endeavors and theoretical underpinnings of space exploration, while acknowledging the significant hurdles yet to be overcome. The inclusion of both Soviet and American developments, alongside theoretical discussions, suggests a broad interest in the global race for space.

This issue of the "U.F.O. Investigator" covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, space exploration, and scientific speculation. The publication date is indicated as August-September, though a specific year is not provided, it is likely from the late 1950s given the context of space race developments.

Recent Developments in NICAP

The lead article discusses internal turmoil within the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP). The organization has experienced a reshuffling primarily due to the refusal of two staff members, Mrs. Rose Hackett Campbell (Treasurer) and Mrs. B.M. Clark, to align with Director Major Keyhoe's policy on contact claims. The article supports this stance, stating that no single contact claim has withstood careful investigation. A significant incident involved the discovery that seven contact claimants had received NICAP membership cards, issued without the Director's knowledge or approval. All but two cards, belonging to Mr. Adamski and Mr. Betherum, were returned after the claimants were contacted.

The article highlights the difficulty faced by serious investigators in dealing with contactees and their followers, contrasting the potential financial gain from associating with them against the need to disown them completely, a path taken by NICAP and URANUS.

It also references the August-September issue of "U.F.O. Investigator" containing a reply to accusations made in "Saucer News." Major Keyhoe initially perceived these accusations as a malicious attack but later found them unfounded after correspondence with James Moseley, the editor of "Saucer News." Moseley has been invited to NICAP headquarters to observe their work. The article acknowledges NICAP's efforts under Major Keyhoe for fair and dispassionate investigation but expresses disagreement with the view that U.S. authorities are deliberately suppressing information, suggesting it might be part of broader security arrangements.

NICAP is noted to have over three thousand members in North America, but the expenses of running the organization likely consume all revenue. The publication cordially invites American friends to support NICAP, while acknowledging difficulties in providing assistance from their end due to restrictions on dollar transfers.

Soviet Views on Flying Saucers

Senhor Escobar Faria, the correspondent in Brazil, provides details on perceptions of Flying Saucers in Eastern Bloc countries. The information primarily comes from Polish and East German sources rather than direct Soviet ones. Professor Kukarkin, a Soviet astronomer, had previously described Flying Saucers as a "War mongering psychosis." On August 13th, Radio Moscow announced that UFOs had never been sighted over Soviet territory. Victor Tomarev of the Moscow Planetarium stated that such stories were fabrications of the American press. Conversely, David Zaslavsky, writing in "Pravda," suggested Flying Saucers were American pirate aircraft, leading to the ironic assumption that all Flying Saucers seen in the States might be of Soviet origin.

A recent issue of "Literaturnaya Gazeta" (Literary Gazette) contained a critical review of a Flying Saucer book, while a Polish journal offered a positive review of Cramp's "Space, Gravity and the Flying Saucer."

The East German publication "Neues Europa" reported a story about "UFO's from Venus," allegedly based on information from the Soviet Space Academy in Moscow. This report described saucers as solid objects made of an unknown hard but elastic material, not illusions or mirages. Ninety percent were stated to be from Venus, with the Academy predicting landings within thirty years due to differing gravitational and atmospheric conditions. It is also recalled that a member of the Soviet Academy of Sciences published a report suggesting the 1907 Siberian meteor might have been a spaceship that exploded on landing. A theory is also mentioned that the object causing the destruction (approximately 90 miles in diameter) might have been composed of negative matter.

Space Travel - The Cold War and Philosophy

This section contrasts the Soviet Union's early success with artificial satellites against the American "Pioneer" launch from Cape Canaveral on October 11, 1958. While the Pioneer was aimed at the moon, its failure to orbit detracted from the initial announcement, though its performance was still described as a "tremendous success" by scientists. The Pioneer rocket traveled further into space than any previous rocket, reaching 79,000 miles from Earth. The failure was attributed to a launching angle error, though some sources suggest a "count down" break. A subsequent attempt on November 8th also failed due to the third stage not igniting.

The mission's objectives included detecting and measuring a lunar magnetic field and the intensity of cosmic radiation beyond Earth's atmosphere. Cosmic radiation is identified as a hazard to manned space flight, with the North or South magnetic poles suggested as potentially safer routes for leaving Earth. The article posits that successful satellite launches will soon receive little publicity, akin to testing new aircraft.

The rapid advancement in guidance techniques is expected to accelerate the race to establish a space platform, driven by military preparedness. The first power to establish such a base would gain a significant advantage. Scientists involved in missile work recognize the potential of a space platform for space travel, with many believing it necessary for interplanetary journeys. The concept of a space station, once met with scorn, is now more readily accepted, partly due to Dr. Wernher von Braun's ambitious project. Von Braun's proposed space station would orbit at 1,075 miles above Earth at 15,840 mph. Building it would require 15 rockets, each carrying a 36-ton payload, at an estimated cost of 4 billion dollars. Despite lingering skepticism, many essential components like guidance techniques, rocket motors, and communication systems are available.

Space medicine experts are keeping pace with technical progress, and the "G" force problem is no longer considered a major hazard. The establishment of a launching platform is expected to lead to even more rapid progress. However, the article expresses concern that military preparedness might hinder space exploration, as governments with the necessary resources might prioritize strengthening their military positions over ventures like landing on Mars, which would not contribute to a country's immunity from attack. A radical change in the attitude of major powers is deemed necessary, or there's a risk of two powers developing matching technical resources and engaging in missile conflict in space.

Scientists at missile centers in White Sands, Woomera, and Russia are hoped to be philosophical individuals who believe in man's destiny in the stars. The article suggests that a sufficient number of these individuals could combine technical knowledge with human wisdom to impress politicians with the importance of space exploration.

Life on Other Worlds

This section addresses reader interest in the article "A Significant Change" from the previous Sept/Oct issue, which quoted Willy Ley's opinions on potential life forms on other planets. Justin Case, writing in "Saucer News," disagrees with Ley's views. The article presents extracts from Case's article, which argues that Ley's reasoning for visitors breathing air, eating vegetables and animal matter, weighing between 40-250 pounds, and having humanoid features (skull, eyes, ears, hands, feet) is too narrow.

Case contends that Ley considers only humanoid forms capable of developing the intelligence for space flight and accuses Ley of giving comfort to contact story believers and debunking science fiction writers who depict non-humanoid aliens. Case emphasizes the vast variety and tenacity of life on Earth, suggesting that evolution takes many paths and is partly accidental, leading to extinction if wrong. Man, as the only intelligent species capable of space flight, is a product of a unique and complex evolutionary process, making his exact duplication improbable.

Case argues that biology and evolution show man is the result of a unique set of conditions and accidents that cannot be duplicated. He questions the probability of such conditions occurring elsewhere in the universe and the chances of any developing life choosing to visit Earth. Considering the vast variety of life and conditions in the galaxy, Case finds the probability of man-like creatures developing and visiting Earth infinitesimally small. He concludes that it is far more probable that alien visitors would be significantly different from humans, warranting more than a second look.

The Failure of the Lunar Probe

As the magazine goes to press, it is reported that the latest lunar probe rocket failed by 42 seconds, with another trial not expected for several months. The article suggests that the succession of failures in lunar probes, regardless of the agency involved, may stem not from inadequate control arrangements but from a defect in the fundamental calculations required for a successful launch. Specifically, the "Theory of Tides," which accounts for lunar attraction, is cited. A French mathematician has reportedly proven that the calculations involved are incorrect, to an extent sufficient to have caused all recorded failures. The issue lies in a triangular and tangential relationship of forces, the complex calculations for which have not been re-examined for years, presumably due to assumptions of their correctness.

It is announced that the United States plans to attempt rockets to Mars and/or Venus in the near future, raising the question of whether these planets are being used as saucer bases.

Odd Bits

On Saturday, November 1st, a vivid blue-green flash was observed over the Western end of the English Channel, reported by several newspapers. The flash, seen from places a hundred miles apart, was described by a Danish ship as a "strange object about 45 to 50 degrees above the horizon which gave the impression of an explosion." While some observers presumed it to be a meteorite, a weather expert stated otherwise, and the Royal Observatory excluded the possibility of it being Sputnik III. Inquiries to the Coastguard at the Lizard and the Air Ministry (A.M.) yielded confusing accounts, with the Coastguard suggesting the source was likely in the direction of the Bay of Biscay. A peculiar remark from the station officer noted that several "shooting stars" were moving into the sky before and after the flash, though the frequency of the Taurids meteor shower in early November was considered too low to explain this.

Miss Lou Zinstag of the UFO Informationsblatt in Basle, Switzerland, is usually accurate but is criticized for an article in "Flying Saucer Review" that described the Monguzzi photographs as "The F.S. Protographs of the Century." These 1952 photographs, allegedly taken in the Bernina hills, showed a saucer on the ground with a figure and a saucer taking off. However, the article points out that the French magazine that first published them discovered the saucer was made of painted cardboard and the spaceman of modelling clay, with the background being pebbles and stones. The article concludes that such credulous acceptance of easily verifiable hoaxes contributes to unfavorable publicity for the flying saucer question, a point brought to their attention by the Tees-Side UFO Research Group.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the internal workings and credibility of UFO organizations like NICAP, the scientific and political aspects of space exploration during the Cold War, and the philosophical question of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated contact claims, a critical but engaged approach to UFO phenomena, and a keen interest in the scientific and technological advancements of the space race. There is a clear emphasis on rational investigation and a critique of sensationalism and hoaxes within the UFO community. The publication also expresses a degree of concern about the potential militarization of space exploration.