Argus - 1980 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: ARGUS
Issue: NR. 3
Volume/Year: 1980
Publisher: UFO Gävleborg
Language: Swedish

This issue of ARGUS, the membership magazine for UFO Gävleborg, delves into a variety of intriguing topics, ranging from historical mysteries and scientific speculation to UFO sightings and ancient global events. The magazine serves as a platform for sharing information and fostering discussion within the UFO community.

Editorial and Organizational Information

The magazine is published by UFO Gävleborg, a local association that is part of the national organization UFO-SVERIGE. It is published four times a year and is included with the membership fee. The editorial board consists of Eskil Nyström (Chairman), Thomas Dahl (Vice Chairman), Lennart Strid (Secretary), and B.O. Bratter (Treasurer). The magazine's address is Gävleborgs UFO-Förening, c/o Eskil Nyström, Mossvägen 23:a, Sandviken. Contact telephone number is 026/275920. Membership fees are listed as 100 SEK/year for family cards, 75 SEK/year for individual members, and 40 SEK/year for military personnel, pensioners, and students under 18. Payments are to be made to postgiro number 21 45 89-4.

The editorial section features messages from both the Chairman, Eskil Nyström, and the Vice Chairman, Thomas Dahl. Nyström emphasizes the importance of people sharing their UFO observations and encourages individuals to overcome their fear of ridicule by contacting the UFO Gävleborg association. Dahl reflects on the past year, acknowledging that the magazine has been delayed due to a single person handling its production but expresses gratitude for promises of future help. He also announces that the next issue (4-80) will be different, with articles and clippings being directly included rather than transcribed, aiming to make ARGUS more interesting.

The cover image is described as a collage of different UFO-related scenes, including 'night lights,' a UFO searching for something, a landed craft, and a landed UFO with figures nearby, all drawn by Thomas Dahl.

Article: The Mystery of the Vanished Regiment

This article, written by J. O. Sundberg, recounts the baffling disappearance of an entire English regiment of 800 men during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915. On a clear August day, during the landings in Turkey, six to eight peculiar cloud formations, described as looking like large loaves of bread, were observed hovering over Height 60. These clouds maintained their shape and position despite a light breeze. Another similar cloud formation rested on the ground in a dry riverbed within British-controlled territory. This ground cloud was estimated to be approximately 2,400 meters long, 600 meters wide, and 700 meters high.

Later, the 1/4 Norfolk Regiment was seen marching in the dry riverbed towards Height 60. Soldiers from the NZEP 1st Field Division observed the regiment, consisting of 800 men, march into the cloud formation without hesitation. The entire regiment disappeared into the grey mist, and not a single man was seen emerging. About an hour later, the cloud lifted and joined the others. The clouds then moved north towards Thrakien for about 45 minutes before disappearing from view. Following this event, the military authorities declared the 1/4 Norfolk Regiment missing. Post-war inquiries to the Turks about the regiment being taken prisoner were met with denial; Turkey stated they had no knowledge of the regiment's existence or any combat against them. This event remains an unsolved mystery.

Article: The Past of the World's Oceans

This section, drawing from Charles Berlitz's "The Bermuda Triangle," discusses the theory of a global catastrophe that caused significant changes in topography, climate, and sea levels. Evidence cited includes ancient coastlines found hundreds of meters below the current sea level off the Azores, and coastal lines that have shifted inland due to volcanic activity, particularly noted in Greenland, Northern California, and Peru. The article suggests that the Andes may have been uplifted in relatively recent geological times, potentially causing cities like Tiahuanaco to be raised. Conversely, other South American coastal areas may have sunk into the ocean.

The catastrophe is linked to the melting of inland ice and subsequent tsunamis that submerged islands in the Atlantic and large parts of continents. Evidence of rapid freezing is found in Siberia, where frozen mammoth carcasses suggest they were overcome by floods that caused them to sink into the mud. Later, the ground became permanently frozen.

The article mentions findings of animal skeletons in Northern Siberia, Alaska, and Canada, dating back 10,000-11,000 years, indicating a sudden demise and panic-driven movement to higher ground. Similar findings in Northern Europe, Central Asia, and China suggest a rapid and unexplained climate change across these regions. In the Colombian Andes and off the coast of Georgia, mass graves of elephants and sea elephants are noted, species that did not naturally inhabit those areas, suggesting they perished during a sudden climate shift around 12,000 years ago.

The Mediterranean Sea also experienced rising waters, flooding land bridges between Africa and Gibraltar, and between Sicily and Italy. Large areas of what is now the North Sea floor were once land, including continental shelves off Ireland, France, and Spain. The plateaus off the Azores, the Canary Islands, and Madeira were land, as was the underwater ridge between the Azores and Gibraltar. The northern Atlantic ridge also rose above sea level, and the continental shelves of North and South America formed extensive landmasses. Evidence from a Soviet expedition retrieving stone blocks from the seabed north of the Azores, dated to approximately 17,000 years ago, supports the idea that these areas were above sea level 10,000-12,000 years ago. The discovery of tachylyte, a mineral formed above water, during transatlantic cable repairs near the Azores further supports this theory.

Article: Black Holes - The Universe's Enigma

This article explores the scientific concept of black holes, drawing from astronomical observations and theories. It discusses how massive stars in binary systems can collapse to form black holes, which continue to exert gravitational influence on their companions. The article mentions the discovery of potential black holes in the Cygnus constellation and Scorpius, detected through X-ray emissions from gas accretion disks.

Scientists are developing advanced instruments, such as high-energy astronomical satellites and the "Very Large Array" radio telescope, to detect gravitational waves, which are theorized to be released during stellar collapses and black hole mergers. The planned space telescope is expected to provide further insights into phenomena like black holes.

The article touches upon the implications of black holes for the universe's expansion. While the universe is expanding, gravity from galaxies is slowing this expansion. If there isn't enough mass in the universe, the expansion might continue indefinitely. However, if black holes play a significant role, they could eventually cause the universe to collapse back on itself.

Speculative ideas for harnessing energy from mini-black holes are also presented, including proposals for creating "waste disposal" systems where matter is partially consumed and partially ejected with high energy, which could then be utilized. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of contemplating such grand concepts, as they expand humanity's understanding of the universe and itself, quoting Browning: "A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?"

Article: Rocket or Insect?

This short piece discusses small gold artifacts found in ancient graves in Colombia, South America. These artifacts resemble miniature copies of the space shuttle. While some interpret them as depictions of spacecraft, experts suggest they are stylized insects. The article poses the question of whether these are representations of insects or ancient spacecraft that visited Earth.

Press Clippings: Flying Saucers in the Press (1947-1951)

This section compiles several news reports from the period 1947-1951 concerning UFO sightings:

• March 12, 1950 (Los Angeles Times): An amateur photographer, Bette Malles, claims to have photographed a disc-shaped object with a light beam, described as a "ghost disc in the sky."
• March 12, 1950 (Denver Post): George T. Koehler, an intermediary for a "mysterious scientist," suggests that the possibility of UFOs existing should be kept open, as travel between planets might become a reality.
• March 12, 1950 (Los Angeles Times): An article by Marvin Miles questions whether sightings are paper kites, balloons, or light reflections, noting that the Air Force has explained away many reports but acknowledges that some remain unexplained and could be advanced aircraft or extraterrestrial craft.
• March 14, 1950 (Los Angeles News): Hundreds of people in Mexico City reported seeing four flying saucers, with meteorologists estimating their altitude at nearly 12,000 meters. The report also mentions two businessmen from Colorado being chased by a flying object.
• March 14, 1950 (Los Angeles Times): Professor Gerard P. Kuiper of the University of Chicago proposes that pilots of flying saucers might be insects or even plants, suggesting that Mars, being composed of carbon dioxide with no oxygen, could only support such life forms.
• March 16, 1950 (Denver Post): Chancellor Albert C. Jacobs advises caution regarding guest lecturers, following a mysterious speaker at the university.

Article: We Have Seen the Phantom Submarines!

This article reports on mysterious submarines that reportedly appear periodically. Reports from American and Scandinavian coast guards speak of these "mysterious submarines" that surface and disappear into "space" (rymdens). The accompanying image depicts a craft that appears to be both a submarine and an airplane, raising the question of whether these "phantom submarines" are Russian or from space.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, whether it be historical disappearances, scientific enigmas like black holes, or the persistent phenomenon of UFO sightings. The editorial stance, particularly from the Gävleborg UFO association, is one of encouraging open discussion and investigation into these topics, aiming to demystify rather than dismiss them. There is a clear interest in presenting both speculative theories and documented reports, with a focus on providing a platform for members to share their experiences and knowledge. The inclusion of press clippings from the early days of UFO reporting highlights a historical perspective on the phenomenon.

Title: FIB-Aktuellt
Issue: 46
Volume: 1980
Date: 1980

This issue of FIB-Aktuellt delves into the phenomenon of 'phantom submarines' and numerous UFO sightings, presenting a collection of intriguing cases and witness testimonies from various decades.

The Phantom Submarine Phenomenon

The cover story, "Vem fångar en av 'fantomerna'" (Who Catches One of the 'Phantoms'?), introduces the concept of phantom submarines – craft that appear submarine-like but can also ascend into the sky and disappear. The article recounts several significant incidents:

• Antarctic Encounter (January 27, 1962): An icebreaker from the US Navy, part of 'Operation Deep Freeze', witnessed a large, silver, submarine-like object emerge from seven meters of ice in Admiralty Bay, Antarctica. The object shot into the sky and vanished, leaving a large hole and ejecting water.
• Brazilian Encounters (1950s): South America was reportedly visited by phantom submarines throughout the 1950s. One notable event occurred in July 1952 when the crew of the Brazilian freighter 'Naviero' encountered a luminous, blue-white, submarine-like craft on a collision course off Salvador. The craft increased speed, veered away, and disappeared.
• Rio de la Plata Incident (February 1957): An Argentinian patrol boat crew observed a large craft with a glass dome diving into the Rio de la Plata. A naval search involving destroyers, helicopters, and corvettes lasted five days, with multiple contacts registered before the object vanished.
• São Paulo Sighting (June 27, 1959): Eight witnesses saw a nearly 100-meter long, submarine-like object with a transparent rear emerge from the sea near São Paulo. It moved slowly out to sea, then ascended like a glider and disappeared at high speed.
• World War II Encounter: A retired naval officer shared his experience of seeing a phantom submarine in the North Atlantic during an anti-submarine exercise. The craft had a conformal, glass-like superstructure and a rotating periscope. Despite being hit by gunfire from a destroyer, it remained undamaged and dived.
• Baltic Sea Activity (1960s): Phantom submarines were reported to be operating in the Baltic Sea during the 1960s, leading to fruitless hunts and an increase in collisions between trawlers and unidentified objects.

The 'Texaco Bogota' Incident

A detailed account is given of the 'Texaco Bogota' incident on June 23, 1968. The Norwegian tanker, carrying aviation gasoline, was near Öland, Sweden, when two tanks exploded, tearing open a large part of its side. The most baffling aspect was the discovery of two mysterious, 15 cm diameter, triangular holes on the hull below the waterline, with inward-folded metal edges. Experts concluded that only an underwater craft could have caused such damage with immense force.

International Incidents

• 'Yoho Maru' Collision (1968): The Japanese tanker 'Yoho Maru' experienced a violent vibration, resulting in an 11,000-ton oil leak through a large hole in its hull. An investigation by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai concluded that an unidentified underwater object had collided with the vessel, creating a 16-meter long hole.
• Sognefjorden Hunt (November 12, 1972): A 'foreign submarine' caused the largest naval operation in peacetime Norway in Sognefjorden. The sixteen-day hunt involved 30 vessels, submarines, helicopters, and planes, but yielded no results.
• Gryts Archipelago Sighting (August 1974): A coast guard cruiser detected an object on radar near Häradsskär. The object later reappeared with two other echoes, and the cruiser found itself pursued by three 'unknown submarines'. A minesweeper and a reconnaissance plane were dispatched, but the objects had vanished upon their arrival.

UFO Sightings in Sweden

The magazine also features reports of UFO sightings within Sweden:

• Örebro Encounter (October 1980): Two sisters driving near Kårsta, Örebro, saw a luminous object circling in the air. Their car engine stopped, and the lights went out, causing the vehicle to vibrate. The object was described as disc-shaped with rectangular windows and two light sources resembling eyes, emitting red, green, and white light. After the object moved away, the car started again.
• Västerås Sighting: A woman and her daughter reported seeing a grey-blue, oval object vibrating in the air near Västerås.
• Umeå Incident: A man and his fiancée witnessed a large, brightly lit object maneuvered by two smaller yellow, white, and green craft near Umeå. The larger object appeared to land behind a treeline.
• Luleå Archipelago Sightings: Three fishermen observed two objects circling in the Luleå archipelago, with one landing on an island.
• Other Swedish Reports: Similar landings were reported near Lysekil and Hudiksvall. A woman in Västerås and her daughter saw a disc-shaped object moving from north to south, accompanied by a sound like a bicycle generator. In Köping, a luminous object moved in a zigzag pattern before stopping and being joined by another object, both then disappearing into the clouds.
• Filmed Object: A man in Söderbärke reportedly filmed a flying object, but the film was not yet developed.

UFO-Sverige and Investigations

Stig Aggestad, who manages the UFO-Sverige report center, notes a drastic increase in UFO observations. He believes most witnesses are not lying, but the question remains what they actually saw. UFO-Sverige investigates each report, often consulting with the Air Force. Approximately 80 percent of sightings are attributed to natural explanations like aircraft, meteors, satellites, or unusually bright planets. However, some cases, like the Västerås incident, remain unexplained by the Air Force.

Field Research Course

A report details a field research course organized by Köpings UFO-Förening in August 1980 at Lersätergården. The course covered topics such as interview methodology, witness psychology, technical equipment, and investigation methods for UFO cases. Speakers included Ingvar Damm, Mikael Nanne, Jan Wirselius, Carl-Anton Mattson, and Christer Nordin. The course also featured film screenings and an auction. Participants had the opportunity to examine a metal fragment from the Väddö UFO case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the mysterious nature of unidentified aerial and underwater phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and investigative details without definitive conclusions, often emphasizing the difficulty authorities have in explaining or capturing these objects. The recurring theme is the persistence of these sightings despite technological advancements and official investigations, suggesting a genuine, unexplained phenomenon. The magazine encourages reader participation and discussion on UFO-related topics.