Argus - 1980 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: ARGUS
Issue: Nr. 1
Volume: 5
Year: 1980

This is the first issue of ARGUS, a member magazine for UFO Gävleborg, affiliated with UFO-Sverige. Published four times a year, it aims to inform its members about UFO phenomena and related topics. The cover features a sketch of an alien and the title 'ARGUS' along with the issue number and year. The magazine is primarily in Swedish.

Editorial Section (REDAKTIONELLT)

The editorial section introduces the first issue of 'ARGUS' and acknowledges the work involved in its production, emphasizing the need for more material. It calls for readers with 'writing itch' to submit UFO stories, offering anonymity if desired, as the current backlog of UFO accounts has dwindled. The editorial also includes some 'thought-provoking' reflections: 'Truth only needs to change owners a couple of times before it becomes a lie.' It asserts that television will never completely replace magazines, stating, 'one cannot kill flies with TV.' Finally, it encourages readers to maintain a good sense of humor.

The editorial is signed by the Chairman, Eskil Nyström.

Ten Ways to Split a Club (TIO SÄTT ATT SPLITTRA EN KLUBB)

This section humorously lists ten negative behaviors that can undermine a club:
1. Never attend club meetings.
2. If you do attend, arrive late.
3. Never participate in decisions, but criticize them afterward.
4. Always find fault with the leaders and exaggerate it.
5. Never pay dues on time; if pressured, switch clubs.
6. Never accept any assignments, but complain if you are given one.
7. When you see others working, consider it laziness.
8. Accept everything you can get, but give nothing back.
9. Never take initiative; later complain that nothing is happening.
10. Think: 'Only stupid people work.'

It concludes by suggesting that reading these 'Ten Commandments' might provide a 'kick' to reflect on one's actions and perhaps even encourage readers to join their organization.

Article: ARE OUR GODS ASTRONAUTS? (VAR VARA GUDAIR ASTRONAUTER?)

This extensive article, heavily influenced by Erich von Däniken's theories, explores the idea that ancient gods were extraterrestrial visitors. It presents various pieces of evidence from around the world to support this hypothesis.

Key Points and Examples:

• Palenque Relief: A relief in a Mayan temple in Palenque, Mexico, is interpreted as depicting a flying astronaut, with features resembling a helmet, controls, and a propulsion system. Wernher von Braun is cited as agreeing with this interpretation of the ancient astronaut.
• Ancient Texts: The article mentions Sanskrit texts from India that describe flying vehicles and pilot instructions, as well as ancient writings from Mysore detailing how to build flying apparatuses, make them invisible, and eavesdrop.
• The Flood Narrative: The biblical story of Noah's Ark and the Great Flood is presented as a punishment from 'gods' who originated from space and had been observing humanity's development.
• Simbabve 'Black Bible': A text from the tribes around Simbabve, Rhodesia, allegedly describes the use of nuclear power by ancient gods.
• Ancient Knowledge: It is suggested that ancient civilizations possessed advanced knowledge, possibly a 'cosmic memory,' which resurfaces as inventions, citing Nobel laureate Niels Bohr's account of dreaming up his atomic model.
• Global Evidence: The article points to numerous examples worldwide:
• Nazca Lines, Peru: Giant geoglyphs on the Nazca plain, discovered in 1930, are interpreted as landing strips or signals for spacecraft.
• Tiahuanaco: The ruins of this city are also considered to hold unexplained mysteries.
• Maya and Aztec Calendars: Their advanced calendars are seen as evidence of sophisticated knowledge.
• Crystal Lenses: Lenses found in Iraq and Egypt, possibly made with electronic processes, are cited as examples of advanced ancient technology.
• Egyptian 'Light Bulbs': A relief in Dendera, Egypt, depicts what appears to be a large 'light bulb' with a cord, which remains unexplained.
• Tibetan Levitation: The ability of Tibetan monks to levitate large stones using sound waves is mentioned, with a rumored film of this phenomenon possibly existing in Sweden.
• Tassili Cave Paintings, Sahara: Paintings depict figures with helmets and what appear to be spacesuits, leading researchers to dub one figure the 'great Mars god.'
• Kimberley Caves, Australia: Cave paintings show helmeted, goggle-wearing beings.
• Japanese Clay Figures: Small clay figures with helmets and goggles, found in Japan and now in Soviet possession, are presented as evidence.
• Easter Island Moai: The 'hats' or headdresses on the Easter Island statues are suggested to be helmets.
• Star Maps: A star map found in Kohistan, Pakistan, allegedly shows the exact position of stars 10,000 years ago. Turkish maps from the 17th century, possibly dating back thousands of years, are also mentioned, showing detailed geographical knowledge, including Antarctica's sub-glacial features discovered only in 1952.
• The 'Moses' Connection: The article revisits the biblical account of Moses, suggesting that the Ark of the Covenant and other 'miracles' could be interpreted as the result of advanced technology, possibly involving electrical conductors, capacitors, and even a communication system with a spacecraft.
• Sodom and Gomorrah: The destruction of these cities is attributed to a nuclear explosion, with robots sent to rescue Lot and his family.

Von Däniken argues that these ancient artifacts and texts are not merely religious or mythical but represent remnants of a technologically advanced civilization that visited Earth.

UFO Reports from Sweden (UFO RAPPORTER I SVERIGE)

This section presents two recent UFO sighting reports from Sweden:

• Lidingö, 1976-09-20: An older couple driving on the island saw two bright lights in the sky that made a buzzing sound and then disappeared.
• Hudiksvall, 1976-11-19: A woman letting out her cat saw three bright red globes forming a triangle that moved slowly over the treetops without making a sound. She contacted a neighbor who also witnessed the event before the lights descended behind the trees.

Article: THE ELUSIVE BLACK HOLES OF SPACE (RYMDENS GÄCKANDE SVARTA HÅL.)

This article delves into the scientific concept of black holes, explaining their nature and implications.

Key Concepts:

• Definition: Black holes are regions in space with such immense gravity that nothing, not even light, can escape. They are described as cosmic 'vacuum cleaners' that swallow particles, dust, and stars.
• Origin: The article references physicist John Wheeler's description of a black hole in the Cygnus (Swan) star group, a massive object with extreme gravitational pull.
• Scientific Challenge: The existence and nature of black holes present a major problem for physicists, raising fundamental questions about matter and the universe.
• Einstein's Theory: Black holes are presented as a consequence of Einstein's theory of general relativity, where the collapse of a dying star's gravity compresses its matter into an infinitely small volume with infinite density and gravity.
• Astrophysicist's View: Jonathan Grindlay of Harvard University describes the concept as 'very worrying,' imagining a vast mass shrinking to nothing.
• Cosmic Violence: The universe is depicted not as quiet and unchanging, but as a scene of incredible violence, with exploding galaxies and stars. Black holes are suggested to be at the root of these phenomena.
• Locations: Besides the potential black hole in Cygnus, others are mentioned in the constellation Scorpius and three more in the center of star systems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly advocates for the ancient astronaut theory, presenting evidence from archaeology, ancient texts, and mythology to support the idea of extraterrestrial influence on human history. It encourages critical thinking and challenges conventional scientific and historical interpretations. The editorial stance is open to unconventional ideas and seeks to engage readers in exploring these mysteries. There's a clear emphasis on questioning established narratives and seeking alternative explanations for historical and scientific phenomena. The inclusion of UFO reports from Sweden grounds the magazine in contemporary sightings, linking them to the broader theme of potential alien presence.

This issue of 'Astronomi' magazine, dated 1980, features a cover story titled "'TEFATEN'I PRESSEN 1947-51" (Saucers in the Press 1947-51), highlighting UFO reports from that era. The magazine also includes in-depth articles on astronomy, particularly focusing on black holes, and detailed minutes from the Gävleborgs UFO-Förening's 1980 annual meeting.

Black Holes: Theories and Observations

The magazine explores the concept of black holes, starting with Stephen Hawking's groundbreaking mathematical work suggesting the existence of extremely small black holes formed during the universe's origin. These 'mini-black holes' are theorized to gradually evaporate, releasing particles and gamma rays, and eventually exploding with immense energy, comparable to millions of hydrogen bombs. The article contrasts these with supermassive black holes, monsters with masses equivalent to billions of suns, citing observations from Palomar and Kitt Peak observatories that support their existence, particularly in galaxies like M87.

Further speculation suggests that matter entering black holes might not be destroyed but could be channeled through wormholes to other parts of the universe or even alternate universes. The possibility of black holes being linked to 'white holes' that expel matter is also mentioned, with a speculative note that such 'magical channels' could one day help overcome vast cosmic distances.

The article also touches upon the historical context of black holes, referencing Pierre Simon de Laplace's early 18th-century predictions based on gravity and light, and how Einstein's theory of general relativity provided a more complex understanding of gravity as a curvature of spacetime.

UFO Sightings and Reports (1947-1951)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a compilation of UFO reports from the period 1947-1951, sourced from various newspapers. These include:

• February 19, 1950 (Los Angeles Herald Express): A report from Köpenhamn, Denmark, about a farmer and his wife witnessing two flying saucers, one of which disintegrated into thousands of glowing sparks.
• February 23, 1950 (Los Angeles Daily News): Naval officer Robert B. McLaughlin theorizes that flying saucers are 'spaceships from another planet,' based on his experience and experiments with remote-controlled weapons.
• February 22, 1950 (Buffalo Evening News): Criticism of the Air Force's decision to halt investigations into flying saucers, following an article in 'True Magazine' and questions raised by Frank Scully.
• February 23, 1950 (Los Angeles Times): Reinforces McLaughlin's belief that flying saucers are from another planet.
• March 9, 1950 (Denver Post): A report on a lecture about 'Dwarf Pilot Landings' given to students.
• March 10, 1950 (Los Angeles Examiner): An account of a 25-inch pilot found dead in the wreckage of a 15-meter diameter flying saucer near Mexico City, with authorities reportedly denying knowledge of the incident.

UFO Observations in Sweden (1979)

The magazine also includes contemporary UFO reports from Sweden:

• Ånge (ÖP): A ten-year-old boy, Per David Wenneberg, reported seeing a strange, cross-shaped light phenomenon in the sky that pulsed and hummed, which he believed might have been a flying saucer.
• Kråkemåla (near Oskarshamn): Fru Myrtel Wimmer reported seeing three UFOs, described as intensely bright spheres moving silently at lightning speed. Similar phenomena were observed at the Norrköping airbase.

Astronomy Articles

Beyond UFOs, the magazine features educational articles on astronomy:

• Star Classification (F, G, K types): Detailed descriptions of spectral classes F, G, and K stars, including their temperature ranges, spectral line characteristics, and examples of stars within these classes (e.g., F5 Ib in Perseus, Solen as G2 V, and K-type stars).
• The Solar System: An overview of our solar system within the Milky Way galaxy, describing the galaxy's disk shape, estimated number of stars, diameter, and thickness. It places our solar system near the edge and mentions the visibility of other galaxies like Andromeda, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds.

Gävleborgs UFO-Förening Annual Meeting Minutes (1980)

The latter part of the magazine contains the official minutes from the Gävleborgs UFO-Förening's annual meeting held on February 17, 1980, in Sandviken. Key points from the minutes include:

• Leadership Elections: Eskil Nyström was re-elected as Chairman, Lennart Strid as Secretary, and Benny Öhman and Anders Åkerberg as scrutineers. A new board was elected, including Stig Myrin, Thomas Dahl, and Olof Bratter, with Roland Östlund and Jörgen Karlsson as deputies.
• Financial Report: The 1979 financial report was presented, showing expenditures exceeding income. The membership fee was decided to be raised to 75 kronor for individuals and 100 kronor for families starting in 1980, with a reduced rate for students, conscripts, and pensioners.
• Activities and Decisions: The association planned to hold five member meetings in addition to the annual meeting. The magazine 'Argus' was to be published with at least four issues per year (two in spring, two in autumn). A discussion regarding Nils Nielsen, deemed unsuitable as a UFO-Sweden instructor, led to a motion to exclude him from UFO-related activities.
• Field Research and Information: Roland Östlund was appointed leader for field researchers. The radio section would be led by Eskil Nyström, and the photo section by Åke Svensson and Anders Åkerberg. The association also planned to organize study circles on UFO topics if there was sufficient interest.
• Financial Report Summary: The financial report for 1979 showed income from membership fees, sales of 'Argus', and donations, totaling 2530:00. Expenditures included lottery prizes, film rentals, printing, rent, postage, and office supplies, totaling 2652:60. The year ended with a deficit.
• Revisions Committee Report: The auditors reviewed the association's accounts for 1979 and found them to be correctly kept, proposing that the board be granted full discharge.

Closing Remarks

The closing remarks for the year 1979 express satisfaction with the incoming UFO reports, though noting their scarcity in the local area. The association observes a growing global interest in serious UFO research but laments the slow progress in Sweden. They encourage UFOlogists to influence authorities to adopt a more positive stance towards UFO research. The board thanks the members for their trust and cooperation, looking forward to a productive year in 1980.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently blends scientific astronomical topics with UFO phenomena, reflecting a dual interest in the cosmos and unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting scientific theories alongside anecdotal reports and the activities of UFO research organizations. There's a clear emphasis on documenting UFO events and fostering a community around their study, as evidenced by the detailed minutes of the Gävleborgs UFO-Förening. The tone is generally informative, aiming to educate readers on both established science and the ongoing investigation of UFOs.

This issue of UFO-detektor, dated 1979, is a Norwegian publication focused on the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). In collaboration with the Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC), the magazine provides detailed instructions for building three distinct types of UFO detectors. The issue also delves into the history and nature of UFO sightings, discusses the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and explores the potential technological capabilities of advanced civilizations.

Building Your Own UFO Detector

The core of this issue is a practical guide to constructing UFO detection devices. Three models are presented:

Model 1: Simple and Effective Detector

This basic model utilizes a compass needle suspended near a horizontal ring of tinned copper wire (A). An additional piece of copper wire (B) is shaped to touch the needle if it moves more than 1-2 mm horizontally. The rings A and B are connected to a doorbell. The compass needle is connected to one pole of a battery, and the bell and the other end of the battery are connected. If the compass needle moves due to magnetic influence, it will complete the circuit, causing the bell to ring, indicating a potential UFO presence.

Model 2: Electromechanical Version for Continuous Alert

This model offers the advantage of alerting the user even when they are not present. It also uses a compass needle but is designed to detect magnetic activity and activate a lamp. The lamp remains lit until a reset button is pressed. The contact arrangement around the compass needle is slightly simpler than in Model 1, focusing on horizontal movement. The circuit uses a TRIAC to trigger the lamp when the compass needle makes contact with a resistor connected to the positive pole of the battery. The lamp stays on until the reset switch is briefly pressed. The article suggests that coupling points 5 and 6 could be connected to a digital clock to record when the detector was triggered.

Model 3: Fully Electronic UFO Detector

This model relies on a coil (L1) to detect changes in the magnetic field. The signal generated by the coil is amplified by transistors (T1 and T2) and then rectified and voltage-doubled by diodes (D1 and D2). If the rectified signal is strong enough, it triggers a bistable flip-flop circuit (T3 and T4), which in turn activates a transistor (T5) that can supply power to an alarm bell or similar device. The alarm is deactivated by pressing a reset button (S1), which interrupts the base current to T3, causing the circuit to reset. The article notes that this detector might be less sensitive than compass-based models, but its effectiveness depends on the coil's design. It suggests experimenting with coil size and winding, using a small magnet to test sensitivity against a compass.

Component lists and circuit diagrams are provided for all three models.

UFO Sightings and Theories

The issue begins by defining UFOs and discussing the common perception of them as flying saucers, while also noting other observed shapes like spheres, bells, and cigars. It recounts the origin of the term "flying saucer" from a 1947 incident in Washington, USA, where a pilot reported seeing nine disk-shaped objects. The article highlights the mystery of the missing crew from a crashed transport plane in the same incident.

A personal account from 1966 describes a sighting near Bergen, Norway, where a witness and his wife observed a disk-like object with a distinct color pattern (yellow-green underside, pink upper part) hovering at an altitude of 60-80 meters. The object made no sound but exhibited rotating movements before accelerating rapidly eastward, leaving a fiery trail.

The magazine poses the question of whether humanity is alone in the universe, considering the vastness of our galaxy and the cosmos. It speculates on the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations capable of interstellar travel, noting that our human perception of time might differ significantly for beings in space.

It is mentioned that UFOs have been detected on radar, with speeds estimated up to 50,000 km/h. The article quotes astronaut Edgar Mitchell, who stated in 1974 that UFOs exist and the question is their origin. The potential impact of UFOs on electrical systems is discussed, with theories suggesting they emit strong magnetic fields that can interfere with radios, TVs, and other electronic equipment. This magnetic influence is the basis for the detector designs.

Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC)

The article introduces NUFOC as a Norwegian organization dedicated to UFO research, operating on a voluntary basis and funded by private means. Its primary goal is to gather all available information and data related to UFO activity over Norwegian airspace. NUFOC emphasizes the accuracy of collected information and actively works to counter misinformation. The organization has approximately 300 members across various departments nationwide. Interested individuals can join by obtaining an application form from NUFOC SA in Trondheim.

Subscriptions

For those interested in learning more about UFOs, the magazine recommends subscribing to Norsk UFO Center's periodicals: "UFO FORUM" and "RAPPORTNYTT." These are stated to be the only Norwegian journals on the subject. Both publications are issued five times a year and cost 30 Norwegian Kroner annually. Subscriptions can be ordered by mail, with payment via postgiro. The journals are not sold individually.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the practical application of electronics for UFO detection, the exploration of UFO phenomena through reported sightings, and the broader philosophical questions surrounding extraterrestrial life and humanity's place in the universe. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to engage with the subject through DIY projects and by following the work of NUFOC. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and the collection of accurate data, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of some aspects of UFO research.