Argus - 1979 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: ARGUS
Issue: Nr. 4
Volume: 4
Year: 1979

This issue of ARGUS, a member magazine for UFO Gävleborg and a part of UFO-Sverige, is dated 1979. It covers a range of topics, with a significant portion dedicated to the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing and a unique theory about the origin of UFOs. The editorial highlights internal challenges faced by the organization, including publication delays and a need for more active members.

Editorial: Challenges and a Call for Help

The editorial section expresses regret over delays in the publication and printing of the magazine, noting that the planned six issues for the year will not be met. A significant blow to the organization was the recent, sudden passing of their treasurer, material manager, and assistant for the magazine's writing. This loss has impacted the entire organization, which is described as understaffed with active members. The editorial appeals to all interested members to come forward as soon as possible to ensure the magazine continues to be published. The writer also notes a lack of expected contact from the national organization (Riksorganisationen) and suggests that activities related to UFOs have generally declined. This might be due to a phenomenon where observations occur in cycles, with lulls in between, or perhaps a reluctance from people to share their experiences for fear of ridicule. However, the writer mentions hearing of observations in the southern hemisphere. The editorial concludes with a plea for more active participation to share the workload, as currently only the board members are actively contributing, which is unsustainable given that this is all done in their free time.

Liv på en miljon Vintergats-planeter (Life on a Million Milky Way Planets)

This article discusses the ongoing efforts to contact potential extraterrestrial civilizations in the universe, noting that so far, these attempts have been unsuccessful. It questions whether humanity is alone or if other civilizations have lost interest in technology. Astronomer Jan Högbom is mentioned as writing about this topic in the latest issue of 'Forskning och Framsteg,' which is part of the 'Information Project Universum.' The article suggests that new generations of space telescopes might help in discovering extraterrestrial civilizations. The prevailing theory is that planets form as a consequence of their star's birth, implying that most stars should have planetary systems. The article also touches upon the conditions necessary for the formation of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, referencing a famous experiment by an American named Miller in the 1950s. This experiment demonstrated that amino acids could be synthesized from substances present on early Earth under conditions simulating primitive Earth, exposed to electrical discharges like lightning.

Varför så tyst? (Why So Quiet?)

This section delves into the question of why the universe appears 'silent' and why no signs of life are detected, despite the apparent conditions for life existing. It speculates that perhaps very specific circumstances are required for life and intelligence to arise, making advanced civilizations rare and potentially located in distant galaxies, beyond our reach. Another possibility discussed is that highly developed civilizations might have lost interest in technology and space travel, focusing instead on philosophical and artistic pursuits. The article also considers the potential for advanced civilizations to self-destruct due to the overwhelming power of technology.

Kommer tefat från solen? (Do Flying Saucers Come from the Sun?)

This article presents a theory by Bertil Flodin, a Doctor of Philosophy from Helsinki, suggesting that UFO phenomena, or 'flying saucers,' are actually ball lightning originating from the sun. The theory posits that UFOs are electromagnetic fields containing plasma from the sun, with their appearance varying based on where in the sun they originate. When a UFO enters Earth's atmosphere, it loses energy, cools, and its gases condense into liquid and solid forms. This process, according to the theory, leads to the formation of UFOs with their characteristic saucer shape. The article notes that UFOs often contain radioactive material and suggests that traces of them might be found on the Moon, where the lack of atmosphere would preserve them. The theory also claims to explain the mysterious magnetic fields on the Moon.

"11000 år gamla kartor" ("11,000-Year-Old Maps")

This section, an excerpt from E.v. Däniken's "Olösta gåtor.." (Unsolved Riddles), presents a list of ancient artifacts and sites, primarily from the geographical region of Sumer, suggesting evidence of advanced civilizations or visitors from space in prehistoric times. Examples include spiral carvings at Geoy Tepe (6,000 years old), flint industry at Gar Kobeh (40,000 years old), statuettes and stone tools at Tepe Asiab (13,000 years old), and fossilized excrement possibly not from humans. The article highlights the sudden appearance of Sumerians with advanced astronomy, culture, and technology, questioning their origins. It also describes ancient artifacts found in Lebanon (glass-like stones called tektites with radioactive isotopes), Iraq and Egypt (ground crystal lenses requiring advanced manufacturing), and ancient electrical batteries. The discovery of a finely woven fabric in Heluan, a precisely amputated skeleton in London, a cave carving in Kohistan showing star positions from 10,000 years ago, and platinum jewelry in Peru are also mentioned as potential evidence of advanced ancient technology or visitors.

HISTORISK HÄNDELSE (Historic Event)

This extensive article recounts the Apollo 11 mission, the historic landing on the Moon on July 20, 1969. It details the dramatic events leading up to the landing, the astronauts' experiences in orbit and on the lunar surface, and their safe return to Earth. The article emphasizes the global impact of the event, with millions watching the broadcast. It describes the lunar module 'Eagle' detaching from the command module 'Columbia,' piloted by Michael Collins, and descending to the Moon's surface. Neil Armstrong's famous words upon stepping onto the Moon, "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind," are quoted. The article also mentions the Soviet Luna 15 spacecraft, which was also in lunar orbit at the time, attempting to collect lunar samples. It touches upon the astronauts' experiences of the Moon's low gravity and the scientific instruments they deployed. The article concludes by reflecting on the astronauts' lives after the mission, noting that some experienced psychological difficulties, while others, like James Irwin, became religious, and Edgar Mitchell pursued parapsychology. It also briefly mentions the post-mission careers of other Apollo astronauts like Frank Borman, William Anders, and Charles Conrad.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ARGUS are space exploration, particularly the Apollo missions and the Moon landing, and the phenomenon of UFOs. There's a clear interest in exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial life and advanced ancient civilizations. The magazine also touches upon scientific theories related to the origins of life and the universe. The editorial stance, as expressed in the

This issue of Astronomi magazine, volume 37, dated 1975, published by Allers in Sweden, features a prominent cover story titled "UFO har börjat attackera folk." (UFOs have started attacking people.). The issue also includes articles on astronomy and a review of UFO-related literature.

UFOs Attacking People

The lead article details alarming reports from northern Brazil where thousands claim to have witnessed UFOs, with two tragic deaths and severe injuries attributed to these phenomena. The most serious case is the "Crab Island Case," involving fishermen Jose Sousa, Firmino, and Auleriano Alves. After encountering a UFO over their fishing boat, the three were rendered unconscious for approximately five hours. Upon waking, two of the survivors had severe burns, and Jose Sousa was found charred. Investigations of the boat revealed no signs of fire but unusually high radioactivity. Professor Carneiro Belfart examined the burns, noting they resembled lightning strikes but without any damage to the boat. Dr. Sylvio Lago, a hypnotherapist, interviewed the survivors, who provided identical accounts of four extraterrestrial figures arriving in a UFO and interacting with them. The article raises concerns about potential future UFO attacks and further casualties.

Astronauts' Post-Space Careers

The magazine also features profiles of American astronauts who participated in the Apollo program. Fred Haise, who was on the perilous Apollo 13 mission, has not developed a fear of space and is involved in the new American space shuttle program. Alan Shepard, the first American in space, is now a chairman of a construction firm and co-owner of a brewery, reportedly a millionaire. Michael Collins, who remained in orbit during the Apollo 11 moon landing, entered politics and is now the director of the impressive National Air and Space Museum in Washington. Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, lives a reclusive life as a professor of aeronautical engineering at the University of Cincinnati, rarely appearing in public and preferring his hobby of gliding.

Astronomical Insights

An article titled "VAD ÄR EN STJÄRNA?" (What is a Star?) continues a discussion on stellar structure, covering factors like density, temperature, pressure, chemical composition, and energy production. It posits that stars are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with other elements present in trace amounts. The article explains that temperature, pressure, and density increase towards a star's center. The primary energy source is believed to be nuclear processes, specifically the proton-proton reaction and the carbon cycle. The piece also describes different types of stars: WR stars (Wolf-Rayet stars) with broad emission lines, B-stars with surface temperatures ranging from 25,000°C to 12,000°C, and A-stars, characterized by strong hydrogen lines and temperatures between 11,000°C and 8,000°C. Examples of well-known stars like Bellatrix, Regulus, Rigel, Vega, Deneb, and Altair are mentioned.

UFO Sightings and Cases

Several reports detail UFO sightings and encounters:

• Canary Islands Landing: On June 25, approximately 70 people witnessed a flying saucer land near Galdar on Gran Canaria. A doctor, Julio Padron y Leon, observed giant figures inside the craft. A taxi driver, Dionos Munoz, also reported seeing a luminous object and large figures. An employee at the Izana Observatory, senor Belayo, noted two fireballs approaching the island. The landing was followed by TV broadcast disruptions, and Spanish authorities planned a large investigation.
• Gösta Carlsson's Encounter: In 1946, Gösta Carlsson, known as the 'Pollenking', reported seeing a spaceship in a forest clearing near Ängelholm, Sweden. He described a being in a tight-fitting overall and observed repairs being made to the craft. Carlsson recounted this experience 25 years later and had a monument erected at the site.
• Ekberg and Sjöberg Sighting: In 1959, near Väddö, Sweden, snickarna Stig Ekberg and Harry Sjöberg experienced their truck's engine failing as a luminous, rotating object, about 15 meters in diameter, descended over the road. After the object departed, the truck started, and they found a hot stone and a metal piece at the location.
• Danish Policeman's Photos: Evald Mårup, a Danish policeman, took photographs of a flying object near Haderslev, Denmark, which clearly showed a luminous halo around the craft.
• Söderström Family Sighting: On March 4, 1967, the Söderström family in Vilhelmina, Sweden, witnessed a cigar-shaped, metallic craft, about 35 meters long, hovering over their farm. A smaller craft later approached before both departed.
• Rockträsk Sphere Sighting: On May 16, 1969, three people in Rockträsk, Norrbotten, Sweden, saw a luminous sphere descend and land on a frozen lake, emitting a strong light.

UFOs in the Press (1947-1951)

A section titled "'TEFATEN' I PRESSEN 1947 – 1951" (Saucers in the Press 1947-1951) provides a chronological list of news reports and events related to UFOs:

• January 11, 1950 (Variety): "Twenty Questions for the Air Force" by Frank Scully, noting that inquiries about flying saucers being recovered in New Mexico and Arizona and sent to Wright Field had yielded no official response.
• January 9-13, 1950 (The New York Times): Einstein's "Great Discovery" regarding the equivalence of energy and matter, with implications for understanding gravity and electromagnetic forces.
• January 20, 1950 (The Kansas City Times): A report about "The Little Men from the Spaceships" in Denver, where a story about aliens was misrepresented.
• January 23, 1950 (Los Angeles Daily Mirror): An article by Dick Williams questioning if a 15-year-old boy had solved the "saucer mystery" by discovering a frequency that caused car and airplane engines to stall.
• February 2, 1950 (Los Angeles Daily Mirror): A military pilot in Tucson, Arizona, chased an unidentified object in a B-29, which left a "long trail of smoke" and disappeared at high speed.
• February 9, 1950 (Los Angeles Herald Express): A "Flying Strut" or "Strange Aircraft" was observed over San Francisco by five people and Major J.L. Kraker, described as a 30-foot glass strut flying at 75-95 mph, leaving condensation trails.

Literature Review

The magazine concludes with a "LITTERATURSIDA" (Literature Page) reviewing several books on UFOs and related topics:

• *Fallet Olof Jönsson* by Brad Steiger and Olof Jönsson
• *En större verklighet* by Lyall Watson
• *Rymdens budbärare* by Robert Charroux
• *Landningsfältet (för UFOs)* by Erich von Däniken
• *Liv under fjärran solar* by W.R. Fuchs
• *Fakta om flygande tefat och deras drivmetoder* by Wildert B. Smith
• *UFO – en fantastisk verklighet* by B. Jungkvist
• *Vänner i Universum* by Borealis
• *Flygande tefat* by S. Magnusson
• *Tefatsfolket har landat* by Staffan Stigsjöö

The Swedish Defence Staff and the Defence Research Agency (FOA) are mentioned as not believing in UFOs, dismissing many reports as fantasy. However, UFO proponents argue that FOA is withholding information to prevent public panic. The magazine provides contact information for UFO-Sverige for those who wish to report sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the alleged aggressive nature of UFOs, the scientific study of astronomical phenomena, and the persistent reporting of UFO sightings and encounters across different countries, particularly Sweden and the USA. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into UFO phenomena, presenting witness testimonies and expert opinions, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints from official defense agencies. The magazine seems to lean towards the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, as evidenced by the detailed accounts and the inclusion of literature that supports such theories.