AFU Newsletter - No 25 - 1982

Magazine Overview

This issue of AFU Nyhetsblad (Archives for UFO Research Newsletter), issue number 25, covers the period from September 1982 to April 1983. It marks the tenth anniversary of the AFU and focuses significantly on the Kolmården area in Sweden, identified as a 'UFO window' with a high incidence of sightings.

Editorial: Ten Years of AFU

The editorial reflects on the ten-year existence of AFU, highlighting its initial climate of fragmentation within Swedish ufology. The founder emphasizes that AFU's focus on creating a library and archives institution has been a productive strategy, serving as a unique resource for Swedish UFO research. The editorial also offers advice for similar institutions, stressing the importance of not being overly ambitious, setting strict rules, maintaining open access, and managing resources effectively. It notes the growing trend of similar archives being formed in other countries.

Reports: Kolmården – A Swedish UFO Window

This section, authored by Dan Mattsson and Carl-Anton Mattsson, delves into the Kolmården area in southeastern Södermanland, Sweden, as a region with an unusually high rate of UFO sightings. The article details 44 documented UFO incidents within a 30x30 km area between Nyköping, Oxelösund, and Nävekvarn. It explores the geological properties of the Kolmården terrain, including primary rocks, fault lines, and historical mining activities (iron, copper, lead, manganese, sulphur), which contribute to intense gamma radiation and magnetic deviations. The research aligns with theories by Devereux and Persinger regarding geological influences on UFO phenomena.

A detailed case listing provides dates, times, locations, witnesses, and descriptions of phenomena for 46 incidents. Notable cases include mysterious windscreen cracks (Case 1), luminous objects pacing cars (Case 8), egg-shaped objects causing engine failure (Case 32), and a large black circle on the water in Bråviken bay leading to radar failure and boat disturbance (Case 46).

The report includes a map illustrating magnetic properties, ore deposits, and UFO sighting locations in the Kolmården area, showing a strong correlation between sightings and zones with magnetic ores or within the magnetical disturbance area.

UFO Windows and Theories

Journalist John Keel is credited with popularizing the concept of 'UFO windows,' areas often exhibiting magnetic disturbances where unusual phenomena, including UFOs, poltergeists, and monsters, can occur, especially during magnetic storms.

The article discusses several theories attempting to explain UFO phenomena:

1. Extraterrestrial Theory: Spaceships from other solar systems.
2. Hallucinations: Discounted due to multiple witnesses in many cases.
3. Unknown Natural Physiological Phenomena/Ball Lightning: Explored but found insufficient to explain all details, such as geometrical ground impressions or humanoids.
4. Ultraterrestrial Theory: Beings from other dimensions entering our world through UFO windows, possibly created by EM forces.

The conclusion suggests a high probability of a connection between UFO phenomena and electromagnetic forces in the Earth's crust, particularly in areas with geological peculiarities. However, it states that explaining the phenomenon in physical terms with current knowledge is speculative, and the focus should be on studying and documenting the phenomenon.

Theories on UFO Causes

Further discussion explores potential causes for electromagnetic fields associated with UFOs:

• Piezo-electrical Phenomena: Electrical polarization in quartz crystals under pressure.
• Fault Lines and Magnetic Storms: Earthstreams causing flash-overs and giant ball lightnings.
• Magnetic Deviations: Bodies of ore becoming magnetically charged during magnetic storms.

Persinger and Lafrenière's research linking UFOs to geophysical activity, earthquakes, and magnetic deviations is highlighted. The article notes that 39 out of 44 sightings in the Kolmården area occurred near magnetic ore bodies or in the magnetical deviation area.

A test comparing temporal fluctuations of magnetical deviations with UFO cases in the Nyköping area found no connection with magnetic storms for 21 cases, suggesting sightings occurred randomly, often during periods of 'magnetical calm.' Further investigation is recommended.

Other Sections

• Editorial Continued: Provides advice on running a library/archive, emphasizing openness, proper administration, and financial management.
• Hynek in Sweden: Reports on a brief visit by Dr. J. Allen Hynek to Gothenburg, Sweden, and his interest in Swedish ufology.
• Research Conference: Mentions a symposium in Stockholm organized by AFU and the Association for Psychobiophysics, discussing research policies and recent findings.
• Exchanges: A list of various UFO-related newsletters and publications from around the world, with updated addresses.
• Intelligence: Features notes on valuable reference services and sources for UFO research, including a computerized listing of ufologists and a fortean spoken word tape service.
• New Books: An extensive list of recently published books on UFOs and related topics, with brief descriptions and ordering information.
• Reviews:
• African Encounters by Cynthia Hind: Reviewed positively for its focus on spectacular CE III and contactee cases from South Africa and Zimbabwe, though it notes the controversial claims of Elisabeth Klarer.
• Earth Lights by Paul Devereux: Reviewed as a book that aligns well with the study of the Swedish UFO window, suggesting that geological conditions might explain 'lights-in-the-sky' phenomena.
• Lights in the Sky – From the Earth by Dan Mattsson: This review connects the book's theories to the Kolmården study, emphasizing John Keel's concept of 'window' areas where electromagnetic effects manifest UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the geological and electromagnetic underpinnings of UFO phenomena, the importance of systematic research and archival work, and the critical evaluation of UFO cases and theories. The editorial stance promotes an open-minded yet scientifically rigorous approach, encouraging researchers to be open to new discoveries and to document findings meticulously. There's a clear emphasis on the value of specialized archives like AFU and the need for collaboration and information sharing within the ufological community.

Title: AFU Newsletter
Issue: 25
Date: 1983
Publisher: Archives for UFO Research (AFU)
Country: Sweden
Language: English

This issue of the AFU Newsletter, number 25, published in 1983, offers a deep dive into various facets of UFO research and related phenomena. It features book reviews, letters from correspondents, and updates on the organization's activities, reflecting a dedication to documenting and understanding unidentified flying objects and associated mysteries.

Book Reviews and Features

"Passport to Magonia" and "Earth Lights"

The issue begins by referencing Jacques Vallée's "Passport to Magonia," highlighting his observations on the parallels between ancient folklore entities (like fairies) and modern UFO entities. It suggests a potential natural phenomenon with both physical and mental aspects. The review then focuses on Paul Devereux's book, "Earth Lights: Towards an Understanding of the UFO Enigma." Devereux, a UFO witness himself, proposes that UFOs and their occupants are materializations influenced by human consciousness and psycho-kinetic abilities, rather than extraterrestrial spacecraft. His theory is presented as testable and offers a new perspective on ufology in the 1980s. The book is noted for its comprehensive study spanning seismology, megalithic sites, human mind abilities, and shamanistic powers, with 44 examples of UFO sightings where objects altered shape or materialized/dematerialized.

"The Lost World of Agharti"

The second major feature reviews Alec MacLellan's book, "The Lost World of Agharti: The Mystery of the Vril Power." MacLellan, not a ufologist but prompted by a personal experience in a Yorkshire cave involving a pulsating green light, delves into the legend of Agharti, a hidden underground world. The review traces the legend through historical accounts, including Plato's writings and indigenous folklore. It mentions Louis Jacolliot, Madame Blavatsky, Charles Leadbeater, and Alice Bailey's contributions to the inner earth concept. MacLellan's work is contrasted with Ossendowski's "Beast, Men and Gods," which recounts predictions by the "King of the World" about the emergence of underground people. The review also touches upon Nicholas Roerich's understanding of Shamballah and the concept of "the sign of Shamballah" associated with UFOs. A significant connection is made to Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton's novel "The Coming Race" and the pre-war Vril Society in Berlin, whose members, including Professor Karl Haushofer, allegedly influenced Hitler. The review notes the physical resemblance between the Vril race and 'men in black' humanoids. MacLellan's research into "Vril power" suggests it refers to mastering etheric energy and life forces.

Magazine Reviews

MUFON UFO Journal (October 1982)

Praised for its quality and growing subscriber base, this journal features John Schuessler's follow-up on the Cash-Landrum incident. James Oberg is noted as a consistent skeptic, with his analysis of the 1967 Russian "wave" being credible. Other highlights include articles on Soviet space experiments and contributions by Bill Chalker and Ann Druffel.

Pre-1947 UFO Bulletin (Issues 8-16)

Nigel Watson's bulletins are described as an interesting source for historical UFO data, particularly concerning the SF angle to historical waves. Recent issues cover topics like the Secret Inventor theory, Brereton's SF book "The Great Airship," HG Wells' SF authorship, Scandinavian ghost fliers, and the Jersey Devil.

The Probe Report (Vol. 3, No. 3, January 1983)

This issue features "The Alien Amongst Us" by Martin Shipp, an investigation into an alleged MIB case by the SCUFORI group. The reviewer suggests that applying SCUFORI's research methods could solve many MIB cases.

UFO-Sverige Aktuellt (Vol. 4, Nr. 1, 1983)

Sweden's most circulated UFO magazine, featuring an interview with Dr. Hynek and articles on archaeological artifacts in the "UFO window" at Kolmården and the Norwegian "window" at Hessdalen. It also includes Swedish reports, Fortean and scientific notes, and a review of recent books.

"Tack Thanks"

This section expresses gratitude for donations and contributions from various individuals and organizations, including GEPAN, Cynthia Hind, Tom Lind, Janet & Colin Bord, Eddie Bullard, and several Scandinavian contributors. These contributions are vital for the organization's research and library services.

Letters

AFU Newsletter 19 (from V. Godic, UFO Research Australia Newsletter)

This letter clarifies that the UFORAN (UFO Research Australia Newsletter) represents the research activities of UFO groups in Australia, but its production is the responsibility of the sender. It emphasizes that the article "UFOs under research" reflects the opinion of only one group and not the general view of Australian researchers.

AFU Newsletter 20 (from Derek Mansell, Contact (UK))

This letter corrects the previous newsletter's statement that Awareness and UFO Register are discontinued, stating they are still active. It also asserts that Contact International UK is likely the largest group in Britain, not BUFORA and UFOIN as previously mentioned. Contact International UK has a large investigation team and a good reputation with the police.

AFU Newsletter 22 (from Steuart Campbell)

This letter addresses comments made by Anders Liljegren regarding the Sundberg (Loch Ness) investigation. Steuart Campbell clarifies that he did not portray Sundberg as a "hoaxer" but suggested the report might stem from a hallucination, implying Sundberg is honest but mistaken. He emphasizes the need for psychiatric examination and medical record review to test his hypothesis.

AFU Newsletter 23 (from Hilary Evans)

Hilary Evans expresses interest in the AFU Newsletter and comments on UFO literature in different countries. He notes the prevalence of less reputable authors in Britain compared to the quality of UFO literature in Spain and the diverse nature of American publications. He also inquires about the lack of comprehensive studies on the 1946 "ghost rockets" phenomenon in Scandinavia.

Letter from Stan Friedman

Stan Friedman seeks information regarding discussions between Doolittle and General David Sarnoff about ghost rocket sightings in Sweden in August 1946, as reported in the New York Times. He is investigating the early US coverup of UFOs and believes Doolittle, despite his involvement, has selective amnesia regarding the Swedish events. Friedman requests any information from Swedish newspapers or other sources concerning these discussions.

Editor's Response to Letters

The editor apologizes for misrepresenting Mr. Campbell's ideas as "hoaxer" in a previous FSR article. Regarding the "ghost rockets" of 1946, the editor notes that AFU has a project to collect information but highlights the difficulty in accessing reliable data, including the mysterious disappearance of a "1946" file from the Swedish Defence Staff. They express a need for a dedicated investigator for this era.

"Nyförvärv" (New Acquisitions)

This section lists new literature added to the AFU library, including books on UFO investigations, alien animals, Bigfoot, religious perspectives on UFOs, and bibliographies of Scandinavian UFO literature. Notable titles include works by Janet & Colin Bord, Erich von Däniken, and Henry Kjellson.

"Notiser" (Notices)

GEPAN NEDLAGT (GEPAN Closed Down)

The French state UFO investigation group GEPAN has been closed down following the socialist government's rise to power. GEPAN, established in 1977, was known for its skeptical approach and for debunking several cases.

SVENSK SKEPTIKER KOMMITTE (Swedish Skeptics Committee)

An organization for "science and popular enlightenment" is being formed in Sweden to combat "strong anti-scientific and pseudoscientific tendencies." Its goal is to promote respect for human reason and science.

"Verksamhetsberättelse" (Activity Report)

This report details AFU's activities for 1982. The organization supported 42 members and had 35 subscribers. The library lent out 175 items and handled numerous research requests. The book collection grew by 49 titles, with new acquisitions primarily through donations and exchanges due to currency exchange rates. AFU also participated in a press clipping subscription, collecting 503 articles from the Swedish press. The newsletter was published twice in 1982, with the current issue being particularly substantial. The report notes financial challenges, with subscription fees only covering two issues per year. It appeals for new members and supporters to help increase the publication frequency.

Financial Summary 1982

The financial summary shows income from membership fees, book sales, donations, and interest, totaling 12,520.49 SEK. Expenditures include printing and postage for the newsletter, book and journal subscriptions, press clipping services, rent for the library, and other administrative costs, also totaling 12,520.49 SEK, with a closing balance of 1,961.45 SEK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The AFU Newsletter consistently focuses on rigorous UFO research, historical documentation, and the critical analysis of phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on international cooperation and information exchange, as evidenced by the numerous letters from foreign correspondents and the reviews of international publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging testable theories and thorough investigation, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints and the challenges of disinformation. The newsletter actively seeks contributions and support from its readers to continue its work in maintaining a comprehensive archive and reference library on UFOs.