Robert E. Ginna Jr., a pioneering editor of People magazine and influential book editor and film producer, passed away on March 4 at his home in Sag Harbor, N.Y., at the age of 99. He is perhaps best remembered for a groundbreaking article he co-wrote with H.B. Darrach Jr. for the April 7, 1952, issue of Life magazine, which sparked widespread interest in the possibility of flying saucers existing and potentially visiting Earth.
The issue’s cover featured a captivating photograph of Marilyn Monroe accompanied by the bold headline, “There Is a Case for Interplanetary Saucers.” This article made Ginna a focal point for U.F.O. enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Titled “Have We Visitors From Space?,” it presented ten accounts of unidentified flying object sightings, supported by a definitive statement from German rocket expert Walther Riedel proclaiming his belief in their extraterrestrial origins.
Capt. Edward J. Ruppelt, who led the Air Force’s internal U.F.O. investigation known as Project Blue Book, later noted in his 1956 book, “The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects,” that the Life article had a profound impact on American perceptions of U.F.O.s, perhaps more than any other publication of its time. He observed that while other reporters had previously visited the Air Technical Intelligence Center (now known as the National Air and Space Intelligence Center) in Dayton, Ohio, the name Life—and Ginna’s reputation for asking tough questions—created an unprecedented level of concern among the officials there.
“Life didn’t state that U.F.O.s were definitely from outer space; it merely entertained the possibility,” Ruppelt explained. “However, this ‘maybe’ was supported by quotes from notable figures, including Dr. Riedel.” A recent Pentagon report released in 2024, mandated by Congress, ultimately concluded that there was no evidence supporting the idea that any U.F.O. sightings indicated alien contact.
Robert E. Ginna Jr.’s passing at 99 marks the end of an era for a pivotal figure in U.F.O. journalism and beyond. His 1952 Life magazine article, “There Is a Case for Interplanetary Saucers,” not only sparked a national conversation about the possibility of extraterrestrial life but also illustrated the media’s immense power to shape public perception.
Ginna’s collaboration with H.B. Darrach Jr. pushed the boundaries of journalistic inquiry, inviting skepticism and intrigue at a time when the idea of U.F.O.s was still considered fringe. It’s fascinating to see how the article, despite not making definitive claims, managed to elicit strong reactions from both the public and experts in the field, leading to increased scrutiny and investigation by organizations like Project Blue Book.
While Ginna may have faced a mixed legacy, having become a target of scrutiny from U.F.O. enthusiasts, his work undeniably contributed to an ongoing fascination with the unknown. His contributions to journalism, publishing, and film extend beyond this singular moment, and his insights into the culture of belief surrounding U.F.O.s echo in contemporary discussions about extraterrestrial life. May his memory serve as a reminder of the powerful role media plays in shaping narratives and public discourse.