Weltraumbote - No 11 - 1956

Magazine Overview

Title: WELTRAUMBOTE
Issue: Nr. 11
Date: October 1956
Publisher: J. Heinrich Ragaz, Seestrasse 309, Zürich 2/38
Circulation: 2000 Ex.
Price: Fr. -.80 / DM -.80

This issue of WELTRAUMBOTE, a Swiss publication focused on extraterrestrial phenomena, delves into the intersection of UFO sightings and religious interpretations, particularly within the context of the Bible. It features a cover photograph of a boat with handwritten annotations suggesting a miniature UFO, and the issue's content explores the possibility that biblical accounts of angels and divine visitations could be reinterpreted as encounters with beings from other worlds.

Article 1: UFO Photograph from Alhambra, California

The issue begins with a report from March 14, 1954, where John W. Wagner of Alhambra, California, photographed a motorboat. It was only upon developing the film that he discovered an unidentified flying object (UFO) had also been captured in the image. The article notes that such discoveries are often made after the fact, and speculates that some individuals might be intuitively guided to photograph phenomena not visible to the naked eye. The photograph is attributed to the UFO journal "SAUCERS" (September 1954 issue). A handwritten note on the scan indicates that two cars were stationed on the dam. The image itself is annotated with "Merwirbel-Theorie" and "Miniatür-UFO 5.1)" in German and English, and "Dr. Freunde in der Un", "Venezñela-Schlägereien mit Dramäen", and "Untirtasse nd Bibel" in German.

Article 2: Subscription and Editorial Notes

This section addresses the readers directly, explaining the challenges of publishing the magazine due to a relatively low subscriber base and the current price. The editor, J. Heinrich Ragaz, expresses his commitment to continuing the publication despite workload. He mentions that due to administrative strain, the magazine will likely shift to a bi-monthly publication schedule starting with issue #12, with double the pages, to ease the burden and potentially adjust pricing. He encourages renewals for six or three months and provides subscription details for Switzerland, Austria, and other foreign countries, including specific payment instructions via postal check accounts and international money orders. A special offer is made for a compilation of issues 1-5, including an article by Dr. Holloway on "The Coming of the Space People," available for an additional fee.

The section concludes with a philosophical quote by Berta Hofberger: "The path to the heights of life must be conquered alone, perhaps with the help of a good guide. But it never opens up to a travel group."

Article 3: "Untertassen" und Bibel (Flying Saucers and the Bible)

This article, authored by Rev. John Miller, S. T. M., Pastor of the Lutheran Church in Hamilton, Ohio, and published in "Whirling Wheels," explores the connection between flying saucers and biblical texts. Miller argues that descriptions of "flying chariots" and strange phenomena in ancient scriptures, including pagan religions, are not new. He posits that the "flying saucers" have become a reality, and it is time to find theological confirmation for them. He suggests that if these objects are celestial in nature, they must fit into the divine plan of creation. The article then examines biblical mentions of "flying clouds, horses, or chariots," interpreting them as potential references to UFOs or spacecraft. Miller proposes replacing outdated mythological terms with scientific ones, equating "heaven" with "space" and "angels" with "space-dwellers" or "space-beings." He cites examples from the Old Testament, such as the visitors to Lot in Sodom (Genesis 19:1), and Daniel's encounter with the angel Gabriel, suggesting these were interactions with beings from other worlds.

Miller asserts that over three hundred instances in the Bible describe space-beings landing on Earth and interacting with humans, often bringing messages or aid, but sometimes destruction. He advocates for a literal interpretation of these events, aligning them with modern scientific understanding. He believes that religion should become more materialistic and realistic to align with the Bible, rather than the clergy's tendency to over-spiritualize it, thus creating a rift between religion and science. He concludes that "true science is true religion."

The article further interprets the description of a "strong angel" in Revelation 10:1, who descended from heaven "clothed with a cloud," as a being piloting a spacecraft. The author suggests that ancient witnesses lacked the precise vocabulary to describe what they saw, resorting to terms like "flying cloud," "bird," or "angel." He also references Ezekiel's description of "wheels within wheels" and "fiery wheels" as potential descriptions of spacecraft propulsion systems.

Article 4: "Raumwesen sind aufgetaucht!" (Space Beings Have Appeared!)

This section reports on a sighting that occurred on August 22, 1955, near Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Bill Taylor, visiting the Cecil Sutton family, witnessed what he described as a spaceship landing in a field. Shortly after, a "little green man," about 90 cm tall with large, saucer-like eyes and claw-like hands, emerged. The being was described as glowing and having a body that seemed rigid. After an initial encounter where Taylor fired a shot, the being retreated but returned. More such figures appeared, climbing trees and the house roof. The Suttons observed them from inside for three hours before contacting the sheriff. The sheriff's deputies found no traces of the event. The report is attributed to "Mystic Magazine," Amherst (Wisconsin), January 1956.

Article 5: International Sightings Reports

This section compiles various UFO sighting reports from different parts of the world:

• Argentina: Reports from Salta describe large, hairy, agile creatures and the appearance of "flying machines" in the form of discs, cigars, and half-moons. An engineer, Claudio Level Spitch, reported on "strange beings" near the El-Macon glacier. In Telar Grande, a cigar-shaped object reportedly crashed after an earthquake. Photos of tracks attributed to these beings were allegedly provided to the press by the gendarmerie. Scientists are also considering the possibility of "snowmen" from the Himalayas being related.
• Trinidad: Three men observed an elliptical object moving from Port of Spain towards Toco. It was illuminated and maintained a high altitude.
• India: A cigar-shaped craft was seen over Ludhiana for 20 minutes, leaving a smoke trail. A similar event occurred in Chandigarh.
• England: Carol Peck and three other students from Cambridge University saw a UFO that flew towards them and then away, displaying small windows. Charles Bond of Ipswich reported seeing a "fireball" with black smoke.
• Rhodesia: An "enormous star of great size and luminosity" was observed over Hartley, changing shape and maneuvering.
• Peru: In Arequipa, four Peruvians observed five UFOs for 80 seconds. An engineer and his driver saw a large, bluish, silent sphere flying at high speed. Another "flying cigar" was observed, which appeared to travel slowly across the city before disappearing into clouds, with parts described as silvery and one end emitting a blue light.
• England (Sussex): Two black spherical objects were seen, emitting smoke or vapor, flying rapidly and then separating.
• England (Hertfordshire): A long, oval object of light orange-red color was seen moving quickly, leaving a trail of smoke or vapor.
• Hong Kong: A letter to the South China Morning Post described a UFO sighting over the Lyemum Pass that changed shape between "swelling form" and a disc, and hovered until a jet fighter approached, after which it disappeared.
• South Africa: An orange-red, glowing object, described as yo-yo shaped, was seen over Durban, with reddish light emanating from hatches.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across the globe, the potential for reinterpreting religious texts, particularly the Bible, through the lens of extraterrestrial visitation, and the description of various types of UFO craft and their alleged occupants. The editorial stance, as indicated by the publisher J. Heinrich Ragaz, is one of commitment to disseminating information about these phenomena, despite the challenges of a niche publication. The magazine appears to advocate for a scientific approach to understanding these events, even when it involves re-examining deeply held religious beliefs. The integration of witness accounts, photographic evidence, and comparative analysis of historical texts suggests an effort to build a comprehensive case for the reality of UFOs and their implications.

This issue of "Kurzberichte" (Short Reports) focuses on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings and related phenomena primarily from 1956, with some historical references. It also delves into broader topics such as the dangers of atomic energy, mysticism, and interstellar communication. The magazine presents a compilation of reports from various sources, including newspapers and specialized publications.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The core of the issue is a chronological listing of reported UFO incidents from April to September 1956:

• April 19, 1956, Bournemouth, UK: Oberstlt. G. Spottiswoode observed a bright, orange-colored object that moved rapidly, changed shape and color, and appeared as two aligned ovals. It was noted to resemble descriptions in Adamski's "Inside the Space Ships."
• May 13, 1956, Switzerland: The ITA (Fernseh-Nachrichtendienst) reported a jet aircraft pursuing a silver disk over a Swiss city.
• June 28, 1956, Bangui, French Equatorial Africa: A police officer and a non-commissioned officer reported a luminous, round object with a white halo, observed flying rapidly.
• June 29, 1956, Buenos Aires, Argentina: An elongated flying apparatus was seen in a vertical position for one minute, witnessed by many people.
• July 3, 1956, Montreal, Canada: Normand Trahan reported a cigar-shaped airship hovering at an altitude of 3-5000 meters for 10 minutes.
• July 11, 1956, Karachi, Pakistan: Captain Aziz of Pakistan International Airlines reported a deep red "saucer" with a blue condensation trail at 12,000 meters.
• July 21, 1956, Cadillac, Michigan, USA: Tourists and police officers observed a "red-spotted, shiny white light" flying in circles near the ground.
• July 26, 1956, Bourg-en-Bresse, France: A couple reported three luminous disks that hovered and then disappeared with astonishing speed.
• July 27, 1956, Dijon, France: An object, described as neither a balloon nor an aircraft, shaped like a ship with a bulge, hovered for half an hour before disappearing northwest.
• July 27, 1956, Saginaw area, USA: A fast-flying red and blue object, 4 meters wide, with a long fiery tail was observed.
• July 31, 1956, Port Austin and Bad Axe, USA: A UFO was seen at an altitude of 150 meters for 10-15 seconds, described as a giant streak of fire.
• August 2, 1956, Suva, Fiji Islands: Hundreds of inhabitants saw a flat disk rotating on its axis in broad daylight.
• August 5, 1956, Moislains, France: Mme. Berthe Leriche and five others observed a reddish fireball at an altitude between 1000 and 7000 meters for over an hour. It descended like a leaf, then ascended rapidly and vertically.
• August 6, 1956, Katmandu, Nepal: Thousands saw a UFO the apparent size of the sun for 90 seconds, with color changes from red to white to blue.
• September 4, 1956, Copenhagen, Denmark: Dozens of people saw "flying saucers" and fireballs, also visible on radar at air bases, flying at 5000 meters and 3000 km/h, uncatchable by jet fighters.

Zurich UFO Incident

A detailed report describes a UFO sighting over Zurich on August 19, 1956, around 9:55 PM. Witnesses Gerh. Katz-Heberlein and his wife observed a luminous, sparkling body resembling a tangled ball of tinder with red and yellow sparks. It hovered, then moved slowly and horizontally before disappearing. The object made no noise and produced no smoke, ruling out fireworks or aircraft.

Moneymore (Northern Ireland) Incident

Thomas J. Hutchinson reportedly captured a flying object that descended from the clouds and landed on dry ground. The object was described as half an egg with pointed ends, like a plate at the bottom, about 90 cm high and 50 cm wide. It was bright red with dark markings and three stripes on the hull. Hutchinson kicked it, causing it to flip over, and then managed to hold onto it, noting its considerable inner force. He then took it to the police station.

"Mars Signals? Nothing New!"

This section references an 1897 article by Sir Francis Gaulton in "London Fortnightly Review" discussing the possibility of signals from Mars using a heliograph. It details how signals were allegedly captured and analyzed, identifying three basic characters (dot, dash, line) with varying lengths and pauses, suggesting a complex communication system.

Atomic Danger - Atomic Death!

This section raises serious concerns about the dangers of atomic energy and nuclear weapons. It cites a US National Academy of Sciences report from June highlighting the alarming increase in radioactivity, particularly in the Pacific Ocean, and calls for continuous monitoring and an end to atomic bomb tests. The Swiss Meteorological Central Institute is quoted as downplaying these fears, but Professor Dr. Ludwig Weickmann, a respected German meteorologist, warns of the potentially unforeseeable consequences of atomic bomb drops and their influence on weather. The Hygiene Institute of Paris notes a constant rise in radioactivity in rainwater. The article also mentions the use of radium for diagnostics and treatments in Paris and discusses the concerns of the "Notgemeinschaft für Verteidigung der Volksgesundheit e. V." (Emergency Community for the Defense of Public Health) and the "Gemeinschaft für religiöse und geistige Erneuerung e. V." (Community for Religious and Spiritual Renewal) in Munich, who demand an immediate halt to experiments and absolute safety measures.

Notes - Hints

This section includes several short pieces:

• Mysticism and Religion: A quote from Dr. Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India, suggests that mysticism, transcending religious dogma and racial conflicts, may become the religion of the future.
• Overcoming Complexes: A response attributed to Krishnamurti addresses how to free the mind from complexes and disturbing thoughts, emphasizing living intensely in the present moment and understanding experiences fully to release them from memory.
• "Seta Messages": An update on "Seta Messages" indicates that due to their large number and length, they are expected to be published in print soon.

In Memory of Joachim Winckelmann

This short obituary announces the death of Joachim Winckelmann, author of an article in issue No. 10. He is remembered as a gifted writer in the "borderland" fields, with a natural kindness and rare "supernatural" abilities. His report on telepathic contact with lunar intelligences is mentioned.

The Stranger at the UN

A sensational report, broadcast by Paul Harvey on Christmas Eve, describes a "stranger" appearing at a secret meeting of the United Nations. This man, described as large, gaunt, and oriental-clothed, spoke with authority on peace, justice, and righteousness, quoting biblical passages. Sir Benegal Rau, the chairman, acknowledged the man's wisdom, stating that he had answered all their questions. The stranger indicated that his words were already in the Bible and then departed. The report notes varying interpretations among witnesses, with some describing him as a worker or farmer.

Bibliography

This section lists several books and publications:

• Carl Frederick Krafft: The Ether and its Vortices: Discusses the problem of the ether, suggesting that understanding ether vortices could lead to a better grasp of gravity, magnetism, and electricity. It critiques current atomic theory and touches upon human consciousness.
• Edgar Sievers: Agrees with the need to move away from atomic destruction and focus on gravity for raw material and energy replacement.
• Prof. Werner Heisenberg: Emphasizes the importance of theoretical fundamental research, noting that Germany was late in practical atomic utilization.
• Gerhard Lau: Die Welt wird grösser: Reviews reports on UFOs from earlier times, concluding they are not of terrestrial origin.
• Patrick Moore: Worlds around us & Suns, Myths and Men: Popular excursions into astronomy, including brief discussions on extraterrestrial life and flying saucers.
• Daniel Lang: The Man in the thick Lead Suit: A collection of reports and interviews, including some on UFOs.
• Peter Paul Pauquet: Schöpfer, Weltall, «Untertassen»: Takes an "as if true" stance on UFOs, exploring their implications.
• Siegfried Schöpfer: Fliegende Untertassen - ja oder nein?: Dismisses UFOs as illusions, attributing them to balloons, radiosondes, jet aircraft, or reflections.
• Dr. Percy H. Wilkins: Mysteries of Space and Time: A report on space and earth research, acknowledging the possibility of planetary origins for UFOs.
• Dr. George H. Williamson & Alfred C. Bailey: The Saucers Speak!: Presents information and evidence of interplanetary communication, suggesting that beings from other worlds are communicating with humans.
• Dr. George H. Williamson: Coming World Changes: Offers predictions about future changes, including those related to "Uranids."
• Williamson: Wheels, Chariots and the Millennium: Discusses flying saucers in historical documents and the Bible.
• Markham House Press Ltd.: Offers English literature on radiesthesia, occultism, UFOs, space travel, and prehistoric cultures.
• WELTRAUMBOTE and other UFO books: Lists various publishers and distributors of UFO literature.
• Einklang: A monthly journal for spiritual and practical life.
• Das Geistige Reich: A monthly journal for spiritual light and life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the potential dangers of atomic energy, and explorations into mysticism and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and communication. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting various reports and viewpoints without necessarily endorsing all of them. There's a clear concern regarding the implications of atomic power and a fascination with the unexplained, as evidenced by the detailed UFO reports and the inclusion of speculative topics like interstellar communication and the nature of consciousness. The bibliography section suggests a broad interest in ufology and related scientific and philosophical subjects.