Question

What is the effect of the choice by Orson Welles (author of the radio play) not to include much detail about the "cylinder"?

Answer 1

By not providing a great deal of detail about the "cylinder" in his radio production of War of the Worlds Welles helped to keep the origin of the alien invaders a mystery.  Welles probably chose to do such in order to keep the audience in suspense and to help convince them that the invasion is actually happening.