AFU Newsletter - No 18 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: nyhetsblad newsletter
Issue: 18
Date: January-March 1980
Publisher: Arkivet för UFO-forskning (AFU)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0347-3872

Cover Story: Animal Mutilations :: Who and Why?

The cover of this issue prominently features the headline "Djurstympningar :: vem och varför?" (Animal Mutilations :: who and why?). The article delves into the disturbing phenomenon of unexplained animal mutilations, particularly focusing on cases in the United States. It notes that in 1975 alone, 1,600 such cases were reported across 28 states. These mutilations are described as being performed with surgical precision, targeting specific body parts like eyes, ears, lips, and internal organs, rather than for meat. The scenes are often found devoid of blood, with no traces of the perpetrators. Despite special investigations and rewards offered by some states, the mystery remains unsolved, with many cases defying logical explanations.

The article references a book by Roberta Donovan and Keith Wolverton, "Mystery stalks the prairie," which documents a 10-month investigation in Montana, uncovering 100 cases in the Cascade county alone. The perpetrators seem to disappear without a trace, leaving no tracks around the animal carcasses. Expert analyses of the wounds suggest perpetrators are skilled in anatomy and surgical techniques, with clean cuts and evidence of injections, possibly for tranquilization or blood extraction. The presence of white, slimy, or spiderweb-like substances, identified as petroleum distillates in some cases, is also noted.

While direct links between animal mutilations and UFOs are not explicitly established, the article points out the temporal and geographical correlation, suggesting they are " Siamese twins." The observation of helicopters, sometimes described as "dragon-fighters," near these incidents is highlighted, with some theories suggesting aerial perpetrators. The article also touches upon the controversial ideas of Jacques Vallée regarding UFO phenomena and the need for a more open-minded approach to research.

Editorial and Swedish UFO Research Landscape

The editorial section discusses the start of a new decade and the state of UFO research. It critiques the tendency to rely on unsubstantiated "data" and criticizes book publishers for not vetting material properly. The article notes that while some organizations are doing serious work in documenting near-observations, many Swedish UFO groups and individuals are not making significant efforts in research and documentation. A lot of time is spent on trivial cases or on studying articles and books with little direct relevance to the UFO theme. The field is described as becoming a "miscellaneous affair" for disconnected mysticism.

It highlights the lack of documentation for significant Swedish UFO cases like those in Vallentuna, Väddö, "Pollenkungen," and Domsten. The article contrasts this with the international scene, where UFO research is gaining momentum in institutions and universities, particularly in the USA, with hundreds of scientists actively involved. It mentions the establishment of a state-run, non-military institution in France (GEPAN) and the work of engineers and researchers in German-speaking countries and field researchers in England.

The editorial emphasizes the ideal scenario for Sweden: a network of well-trained field researchers supported by university professionals, researchers, engineers, and institutions like URD (data processing) and AFU (literature support). The primary goals should be to discover new data and document it, rather than focusing on organizational structures or PR events.

Swedish UFO-80 Event

A significant event, "UFO-80," is announced, taking place in Västerås from June 30th to July 5th. This week-long event includes lectures, film screenings, and a panel debate, targeting both UFO enthusiasts and the general public. Topics covered include parapsychology, the most credible UFO cases, research on the Keops pyramid, life in the universe, Danish and Norwegian UFO research, and paranormal phenomena. The event is supported by the Västerås cultural committee with 25,000 SEK.

Swedish Press Review

A section dedicated to "SVENSK PRESSKRÖNIKA" (Swedish Press Review) summarizes various UFO-related news items from Swedish newspapers:

• A report on Lord Clancarty's belief in UFOs, published in Saxons.
• A review of Eugen Semitjov's book "De otroliga tefaten" (The Incredible Flying Saucers) in Barometern.
• An exhibition on "flying saucers" at UFO-Center in Karlskoga.
• Thorvald Berthelsen leaving the Köpings UFO-Förening due to the work being too burdensome.
• A sighting of a saucer-shaped object over Vilhelmina.
• A report on the Enköpings UFO-förening receiving a reduced grant for UFO-Sverige.
• The Västerås Tvärvetenskapliga Förening (VTF) receiving a 25,000 SEK grant for their UFO-80 event.
• A sighting of a plane-like triangle with a light beam over Skellefteå.
• A review of Roberta Donovan and Keith Wolverton's book "Mystery stalks the prairie."
• A UFO course starting in Mora led by Ragnar Birgersson.
• An interview with Gottfrid Pettersson about an encounter with a small, blue-clad figure.
• Reports of flying saucers in Skurup, including a description of an old-fashioned aircraft.
• Henry Svensson giving a lecture on UFOs in Götene.
• A sighting of a grey-blue metallic cylinder over Äppelbo.
• Martin Grankund seeking witnesses to a bright light phenomenon experienced in 1934.

Foreign Journals Review

This section reviews several international UFO publications:

• Fate (Feb. 1980): Features articles on Soviet psychic warfare, ESP, and mind manipulation, linking it to UFO phenomena. It also begins a series on "Cattle mutilations the deepening mystery" by Jerome Clark.
• Magonia (No. 50, autumn 1979): Formerly MUFOB, this journal explores "Millenarianism" and its connection to UFO phenomena. It also discusses the ethical responsibilities of ufologists.
• Journal UFO (Vol. I no. 4): This publication, which absorbed Canadian UFO Report, features an article by Lawrence Fenwick on abduction cases in Toronto, detailing a classic abduction scenario.
• Strange Phenomena (Vol. 4, no. 4, Sept. 1979): An Australian journal covering UFO and Fortean topics. It includes an article speculating on "Hitler's secret flying disc programme" and the possibility of Nazi scientists fleeing to the South Pole.
• UFO Review (No. 5, Aug. 1979): Edited by Timothy Green Beckley, this magazine focuses on contactees, Bigfoot, and MIBs. It includes a story about a woman abducted by UFOs.

AFU Library and Newsletter Information

The issue also lists new acquisitions for the AFU library, including books on radiation effects from UFOs, unexplained celestial phenomena, and unusual light phenomena. It also mentions the "1979 MUFON UFO Symposium Proceedings."

An announcement for the "AFU Newsletter" encourages English contributions, with a specified address for submissions.

Swedish Air Force Colonel Reports Six Delta-UFOs

A significant report details an encounter by a Swedish Air Force lieutenant-colonel flying a J-35 "Dragon" fighter. The pilot witnessed six unidentified objects flying in a flank formation at high speed and altitude. He describes them as delta-shaped with a fin-like tail, silver-colored, and exhibiting extraordinary maneuvers, including a rapid turn and regrouping into a circle formation, followed by an immense acceleration. The objects then disappeared with a phosphorus shine. The pilot's subsequent check with traffic control revealed no radar returns and no other known aircraft in the sector. The pilot, who has extensive flight experience, stated he had never encountered anything like it and has "restated his position" on the reality of UFOs as physical objects. He emphasized the aerodynamic design and the unique flight characteristics observed. Due to military secrecy, the exact date and location of the sighting could not be disclosed, but the pilot expressed a strong desire to report the incident to a civilian UFO group.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are animal mutilations, UFO sightings and research, and the state of UFO organizations in Sweden and internationally. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for more rigorous, data-driven, and documented research within the UFO field, while also acknowledging the growing international interest and the need for a more scientific and less polarized approach. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of documentation and the critical evaluation of information, with a critique of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of "UFO-Information" (Volume 6, Issue 10/1972, dated June 1979) delves into two significant UFO-related narratives: a peculiar incident in the Moscow Kremlin and the ongoing saga of the "Imjärvi Skiers" in Finland. The magazine features articles by V.I. Sanarov, Håkan Blomqvist, and Anders Liljegren, with references to works by M. Dmitriev, David Haisell, Sven-Olof Fredrikson, and Bo Ahlqvist.

UFO-Probe in the Kremlin?

Authored by V.I. Sanarov, this section details an unusual event that occurred on August 5, 1977, in the Moscow Kremlin. At approximately 8:30 AM, a fiery spherical object, about one meter in diameter, appeared over the Great Kremlin Palace. It subsequently divided into three smaller balls. One descended to Ivanovskaya Square, another to Tainitski Garden, and the third, a yellow ball, moved towards the Arkhangelski Cathedral. Despite heavy rain, this yellow ball entered the cathedral through the open door, flew between the keeper and a watchman, and moved towards the altar. It then exploded against the iconostasis, causing no significant damage except for a slightly burnt wooden volute of the carving. The incident was accompanied by a strong odor of ozone and an intense light, estimated to be 5-10 times that of sunlight. The object's behavior is contrasted with the Kremlin's advanced lightning protection systems, suggesting it was not a typical ball lightning phenomenon. The article notes a historical parallel: approximately 400 years prior, a similar fiery ball reportedly entered the same cathedral and exploded against the iconostasis. The interpretation of this event remains mysterious, with thorough investigation ongoing.

Chosen by the Gods - The Enigma of UFO Contact

This section includes a book review by Håkan Blomqvist of David Haisell's "The missing seven hours." The book investigates the experiences of Gerry and Susan Armstrong, a Canadian couple who have been consistently affected by UFOs and psychic phenomena for 25 years, including blackouts, time distortions, poltergeists, and doppelgängers. The review highlights Gerry's childhood experience of a seven-hour blackout, after which he felt disoriented and described a misty state, raising questions about spontaneous out-of-the-body experiences or psychic links. A significant event occurred in 1963 when Gerry and Susan observed a UFO emitting rings or ripples, which triggered Gerry's sudden recollection of the details surrounding his missing seven hours, though not the blackout itself. The phenomena continued after they moved to Canada, with incidents like unexplained knocks and running water. The review notes that while these experiences are often frightening, they have had positive psychological effects, with the Armstrongs speculating about an evolutionary process. The author questions whether these phenomena are technological or the result of psychic powers.

The Continued Story of the Imjärvi Skiers - Part I

Authored by Anders Liljegren, this article revisits the well-known Finnish UFO case involving Aarno Heinonen and Esko Viljo. Originally reported in 1970, the case involved an encounter with a small humanoid and subsequent physiological problems. This installment focuses on the continued experiences of the witnesses, drawing from articles in the Finnish UFO magazine UFOAIKA and personal correspondence with Aarno Heinonen. It is noted that the 1970 encounter was not Heinonen's first UFO sighting, with a previous one claimed in 1964. The article details Heinonen's claim of having had 23 UFO sightings and becoming a "contactee" by August 15, 1972. He reported encountering humanoids on five occasions, including a "humanoid woman" with whom he had conversations in Finnish.

First Meeting with the Humanoid Woman

Heinonen recounted to UFOAIKA a meeting on May 5, 1972, where he was summoned by a woman's voice to a location behind a red barn. He met a woman described as wearing a yellow trouser-dress, with long, yellow hair, and silvery shoes. She held a silver ball with three antennas. She spoke Finnish and introduced herself as being from a "nice, green land" on the "other side of the galaxy." She stated that three types of humanoids had visited Imjärvi: small humanoids, those like her (about 140 cm tall), and a taller race (almost 2 meters). She claimed her visit lasted three minutes, though they had perceived it as only a few seconds. She also stated she was 180 years old but looked 20. The article notes similarities to other cases, such as the sound signals, the voice, and the "fairy-like" woman.

Second Meeting, Aarno Sees Their Vehicle

On June 18, 1972, Heinonen was again summoned by the same woman's voice to a hill near Antinhaara. This time, he met the woman alone. When asked how they arrived, she told him to go home and he would see their "beautiful vehicle." Approximately 150 meters from his home, he observed a low, disc-shaped, silvery object hovering at about 100 meters altitude. The object had no lights or windows and was estimated to be 5-7 meters in size before rapidly ascending into the sky. Heinonen had discussions with the woman for about five minutes on both occasions. He described her voice as "tensed" and her teeth as unusually broad. Her face and hands were fair-skinned and beautiful, with a "pointed" nose.

The man in Viljo's house

Heinonen and Viljo reported seeing a 140 cm tall humanoid emerge from behind an oven in Viljo's kitchen on June 25, 1972. The figure stood in the middle of the floor for about half a minute before retreating. Subsequently, two thuds were heard, and the house was illuminated by a bright light that moved in wave-like patterns. A search of the house yielded no findings.

The green pen

In a letter to Jorma, Aarno mentioned meeting a male humanoid in Heinola on March 21, 1972. This humanoid, over two meters tall, handed Aarno a green pen before "floating away" and disappearing. Aarno regretted giving the pen to a Finnish researcher for investigation.

The article concludes by stating that Aarno will share more about what the humanoids told him and further experiences, including a possible abduction, in the next issue.

Carl-Axel Jonzon and UFO-Information Leave UFO-Sveriges

This section reports that Carl-Axel Jonzon, along with collaborators, will continue publishing UFO-Information, even though it will no longer be the official organ of UFO-Sveriges. Jonzon, the founder and chairman of UFO-Sveriges from 1970-76, has decided to leave the organization. The reason cited includes a motion at the national meeting that questioned his voting rights, as his organization's membership, based on magazine subscribers, gave him a significant voting bloc. The newly elected chairman of UFO-Sveriges, Christer Nordin, plans to launch a new Swedish UFO magazine, "UFO-Sveriges-Information," to serve as the organization's official voice.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around detailed case studies of UFO sightings and encounters, emphasizing the mysterious nature of these phenomena. The magazine presents evidence and witness testimonies, often highlighting the psychological and physiological effects on individuals. There's a clear focus on close encounters and humanoid interactions, with an exploration of potential origins – whether technological or psychic. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting cases for investigation and discussion, while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding. The continuation of the Imjärvi case suggests a commitment to following up on significant ongoing investigations. The departure of Carl-Axel Jonzon from UFO-Sveriges and the subsequent launch of a new publication indicate internal organizational dynamics within the UFO community.