Argus - 1980 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: ARGUS
Issue: NR. 4
Volume: 5
Year: 1980

ARGUS is a member magazine for UFO-Gävleborg, a member of the national organization UFO-SVERIGE. It is published four times a year and is included with membership fees. This issue, dated 1980, highlights a significant increase in UFO reports and discusses various related phenomena and mysteries.

Editorial

The editorial section, titled "REDAKTIONELLT," reflects on 1980 as a highly eventful year for UFOs in Sweden, marked by a nationwide UFO wave. Stig Aggestad from UFO-Sveriges report central notes an overwhelming number of incoming reports, making it difficult to control them all. The Gävleborg region has also experienced numerous reports, which are being investigated. The editorial anticipates that the first issue of 1981 will feature more details and mentions that reports from police officers have also been received.

Articles

"Fiskare dödad av UFO-varelser?" (Fishermen killed by UFO beings?)

This article, attributed to Kent G. Schöön of United News Service, reports on a strange incident in Brazil where UFOs are suspected of attacking fishermen. One person died, and two were severely burned. The incident, known as "The Crab Island Case," involved high radioactivity but no signs of fire on the boat. Professor Carneiro Belfart and hypnosis expert Dr. Sylvio Lago investigated the case, with survivors describing four extraterrestrial figures arriving in a UFO. Other experts express concern about potential future attacks.

"Poliser fick svar från UFO" (Police received a response from UFO)

This short report details sightings of unidentified flying objects over Lerida, Spain. According to police, the objects responded to light signals. The objects appeared early on a Saturday morning, emitting a strong light, and police officers used their searchlights to signal them, receiving blinking light responses in return.

"STJÄRNFYND" (Star Find)

This brief item from Gefle Dagblad on January 19, 1981, mentions three American astronomers claiming to have discovered a star 3500 times larger than the sun, possibly the largest and brightest in the universe. The star is named R136A by Professors Joseph Casinelli, John Mathis, and Blair Savage.

"-Jag har aldrig trott på sådant här" (-I never believed in such things)

This article recounts the experience of Marie Forsström, a 21-year-old woman from Västerås, who claims to have encountered a glowing green alien. While looking for a cat near her home in Ramnäs, she was hit by a strong light beam. Later, she saw a tall, green, luminous being about 20 meters away. The being disappeared, only to reappear closer before vanishing again. The incident left her in shock, and similar light phenomena were observed in the area later.

"Radarbilden avslöjar mayafolkets hemlighet!" (Radar image reveals the Maya people's secret!)

This article discusses how NASA's new radar technology, designed to penetrate Venus's atmosphere, was used to scan jungle areas in Central America. The radar detected a network of lines, which archaeologists identified as ancient Maya canals. These canals, dating back thousands of years, helped the Maya civilization produce sufficient food for its large population. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the Maya's agricultural capabilities and organization.

"VÄRLDSHAVENS FÖRFLUTNA." (The Past of the World's Oceans.)

This piece, excerpted from Charles Berlitz's "Dödens Triangel" (The Bermuda Triangle), explores theories about sunken continents and ancient civilizations in the Atlantic. Evidence such as fossilized freshwater diatoms found at great depths and geological formations suggest that large landmasses in the Atlantic may have been submerged around 12,000 years ago, aligning with Plato's account of Atlantis. The article also mentions findings of large animal bones, human remains, and prehistoric tools on the seabed, indicating human presence before the last ice age.

""Flygande tefat" är bara smuts?" ("Flying saucers" are just dirt?)

This report from MOSKVA (TT) discusses a Soviet experiment where scientists created a "flying saucer" in a laboratory. The experiment was based on the theory that UFOs are caused by air pollution. Soviet geophysicists suggest that environmental degradation contributes to the appearance of UFOs, which may simply be accumulations of dirt and particles.

"Flygande tefat FN-fråga" (Flying saucer UN question)

This article reports that the small island nation of Grenada in the Caribbean is again calling for the UN General Assembly to address the issue of flying saucers. Grenada wants a special UN body created to coordinate and review research on UFO observations and similar phenomena.

"Har bevis för flygande tefat" (Has proof of flying saucers)

This short piece mentions psychologist Leo Sprinkle from the University of Wyoming, who claims to have evidence for the existence of UFOs. He hypnotized fifty people who reported being aboard flying saucers, recalling details of their alleged space journeys.

"Silverskimrande UFO-besättning" (Silver-shimmering UFO crew)

This report from PHOENIX (TT-AFP) details claims by two retired US Air Force colonels who testified under oath to having seen the bodies of extraterrestrial beings. These bodies were reportedly recovered from the wreckage of a crashed UFO. The beings are described as about 1.2 meters tall with silver-shimmering skin and metallic clothing. The information stems from documents that the CIA was ordered to release by a court.

"RYMDENS SVARTA HÅL - PORTEN TILL EN SPEGELVÄND VÄRLD?" (SPACE'S BLACK HOLES - THE GATE TO A MIRROR-REVERSED WORLD?)

This article delves into the scientific mystery of black holes. It explains that black holes are the remnants of exploded stars that have collapsed into an infinitely small point with immense gravity. The article discusses theories that black holes might be tunnels to other parts of the universe or even to an "anti-universe" where matter is reversed. It highlights the limited understanding scientists have of these phenomena.

"UFO över Argentina" (UFO over Argentina)

This report describes an unidentified flying object sighted on June 14, 1980, over Buenos Aires airport and in several western Argentine provinces. Witnesses, including air traffic controllers and pilots, described the object as a luminous, spherical craft surrounded by a hazy ring. It was observed at a few hundred meters' distance before accelerating rapidly westward.

"UFO ÖVER FILIPPINERNA" (UFO OVER THE PHILIPPINES)

According to a telegram report from May 2, 1979, Philippine military authorities were investigating a reported UFO landing near a village. Witnesses claimed a "mother ship" released small UFOs that landed in the Garapale area. This event was considered significant by the local military and shares similarities with cases reported in the 1950s and 60s.

"TUSEN UFOn SIKTAS VARJE DAG - POLISER OCH PILOTER ÄR FLITIGA UFO-RAPPORTÖRER" (A THOUSAND UFOs SIGHTED EVERY DAY - POLICE AND PILOTS ARE DILIGENT UFO REPORTERS)

Charles Tucker, head of the International UFO Investigative Bureau in Indiana, USA, states that around a thousand serious UFO reports are received daily from around the world, with the actual number of sightings being at least twenty times higher. He notes a 300% increase in UFO phenomena over the past six years and highlights that pilots are increasingly reporting sightings. Professor Allen J. Hynek of UFO studies in Illinois receives about 1,500 UFO reports from police officers annually.

"LIV PÅ MARS" (LIFE ON MARS)

This article discusses the ongoing debate about life on Mars. Scientists examining images from the Viking lander in 1976 observed color changes on Martian rocks. Gilbert Levin, director at Biospherics Inc., suggests these changes might indicate biological activity, possibly from primitive algae, mosses, or similar organisms. However, other explanations like camera defects or wind effects are also considered.

"UFO-rapporterna blir allt fler - "Skrämmande ökning av oförklarliga fall"" (UFO reports are increasing - "Alarming increase in unexplained cases")

This article, featuring an interview with Stig Aggestad, head of UFO-Sveriges report central, highlights a significant increase in UFO reports since early August 1980, with 25 reports of spacecraft received in just two weeks. Aggestad notes that a high percentage of these reports are unexplainable, unlike typical reports which are often identified as meteorites, satellites, or weather phenomena. Reports have come from various locations across Sweden. Witnesses often describe seeing "spaceships" of various forms.

"Såg borlängebon ett "flygande tefat"" (Did a Borlänge resident see a "flying saucer"?)

This report from DA LA-DEMOKRATEN describes a sighting by a man in Tjärna, Borlänge, on a Wednesday evening. He reported seeing a mysterious, brightly lit, yellow object flying silently at a low altitude. The object resembled a disc without wings and disappeared northward over the town. The witness was puzzled by the lack of engine noise, given the object's low altitude.

"11 000 år gamla kartor" (11,000-year-old maps)

This excerpt from E. v. Däniken's "Olösta gåtor.." discusses ancient rock carvings found worldwide, such as in Tassili, Sahara. These carvings depict figures with what appear to be diving suits and helmets, leading to speculation about ancient astronauts. The article questions whether these depictions are simply primitive art or evidence of advanced visitors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ARGUS magazine revolve around UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and their potential implications. There's a strong emphasis on the increasing number of unexplained UFO reports, with a focus on credible witnesses like police officers and pilots. The magazine also explores ancient mysteries, such as the Maya civilization and sunken continents, often linking them to extraterrestrial or advanced ancient visitors. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena, acknowledging the unexplained nature of many sightings while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards sensationalism. The articles often present witness accounts and expert opinions, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities beyond conventional explanations.

This issue of Filmtidningen from 1980, titled "UTOMJORDISKA BESÖKARE!" (Extraterrestrial Visitors!), focuses heavily on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) phenomena, featuring numerous reports from Sweden and touching upon international sightings and related cultural impacts.

UFO Sightings in Sweden

The magazine presents several detailed accounts of UFO sightings within Sweden:

Hallstahammar, Sweden

Two separate incidents are reported from Hallstahammar. On the evening of Monday, October 20th, Gunnar Lindholm witnessed a silent, bright light moving erratically before disappearing upwards in about 30 seconds. Later, on Thursday, October 28th, Örjan Hedarstedt observed a yellow object moving silently from west to north at high speed, covering half the sky in 15 seconds before making a sharp turn and vanishing.

Liden, Sweden

Birger Jonsson and Jan Anders Göransson from Lidensboda reported seeing a strange, bright object moving at high speed without sound on a Tuesday evening around 9:30 PM. They described it as resembling an airplane but moving much faster and silently.

Motala, Sweden

Several cyclists, including Lena Andersson, were frightened by a strange light phenomenon near Järnvägsgatan around 11:30 PM on a Saturday. The object was described as large, cup-shaped on top, slightly rounded underneath, with rectangular windows. It emitted a humming sound, like a refrigerator. The object hovered at a height of about an ordinary high-rise building for approximately one minute before disappearing. Lena Andersson reported being severely shaken by the experience.

Saltvik, Sweden

Gunilla Odemark and her mother reported seeing a flying saucer land about 200 meters away in a wooded area near Alnöbron in Sundsvall on Thursday, August 7th. They described the object as completely silent, about 10-15 meters in diameter, and saw it take off after 20-25 minutes. The light emitted was yellowish during landing and more orange during takeoff. They were certain it was not an airplane or any known craft.

Alnöbron, Sundsvall, Sweden

Two 15-year-old boys from Sundsvall claimed to have seen a flying saucer 'refueling' at Alnöbron around 5 PM on a Monday. They described a bright yellow object moving fast and silently over the water. It descended to about 100 meters above the water and stopped. A pillar of steam rose from the water to the object for about 10 seconds. Afterward, a rumbling sound was heard, and the object disappeared. A car driver had also witnessed the event.

Other Swedish Sightings

The issue also mentions reports from the Dalarna region and the area around Ekön, Linköping, and Stockholm, including a cigar-shaped object observed years prior.

International UFO Reports

Kina (China)

Beijing's evening newspaper reported the first-ever UFO sighting in China. Two readers photographed a mysterious object on the night of August 23rd-24th. It was visible for half an hour, moving up and down, and was described as human-shaped.

Farmington, New Mexico, USA

On March 18th, 1950, the Denver Post reported that most of Farmington's 5,000 residents were convinced of the existence of flying saucers after over 50 witnesses reported seeing a mass formation of hundreds of disk-shaped objects in waves. The Las Vegas Daily Optic also reported on the sensation caused by these sightings, with one witness estimating an object's speed at 1600 km/h and its size as twice that of a B-29.

Washington, USA

The US Air Force, through a spokesperson, refused to believe in flying saucers, attributing sightings to misinterpretations of common objects, mass hysteria, or newspaper hoaxes.

UFO Research and Organizations

Boris Jungkvist's Work

The magazine features Boris Jungkvist, a 44-year-old UFO researcher who has collected information since 1949. He founded the UFO-Häggvik organization, which has about 150 members. Jungkvist has written a book titled "UFO - en fantastisk verklighet" (UFO - A Fantastic Reality), which compiles his extensive knowledge on the subject. He recounts his own sighting of a circular craft with a dome over Lake Magelungen in 1949, which was the catalyst for his interest.

UFO-Information

Carl-Axel Jonzon, chairman of UFO-Information, a Swedish organization with 2,500 members dedicated to explaining UFO phenomena, stated that the Motala sighting was a 'completely normal' observation. He expressed interest in contacting other cyclists who witnessed the event.

UFO Gävleborg

Eskil Nyström, chairman of UFO Gävleborg, emphasized that their organization engages in serious, scientific studies rather than science fiction. He does not believe in flying saucers unless they can be proven. The group has seen an increase in interest from young people, and Nyström has given talks in schools about UFOs.

FOA and UFO Reporting

The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOA) is the official body that receives UFO reports in Sweden. However, the magazine notes that FOA has very limited financial resources for this area, primarily archiving the reports. UFO organizations have long been dissatisfied with FOA's lack of interest.

Reporting UFOs

Boris Jungkvist advises witnesses to record details such as date, time, direction, object shape, and witness addresses as quickly as possible after an observation. He suggests contacting UFO organizations like UFO-Sverige or UFO-Häggvik, or local newspapers. Many people hesitate to report sightings due to fear of ridicule or damage to their careers.

UFOs and Popular Culture

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

The film "Närkontakt av tredje graden" (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) is highlighted for its impact on public awareness of UFOs. The article mentions the film's depiction of alien visitors and a special 20-minute ending created by Steven Spielberg, which premiered in January 1981, promising to reveal more about the aliens' purpose.

Superman II

A brief mention is made of the upcoming film "Superman II," posing questions about Lois Lane's relationship with Clark Kent and the fate of villains from the Phantom Zone.

Personal Beliefs and Experiences

Loretta Swit

Actress Loretta Swit, known for her role in M*A*S*H, is described as being interested in parapsychology, reincarnation, and UFO phenomena. She believes she has lived past lives, including as a French princess and a wealthy Chinese landowner. While she has never seen a UFO, she has experienced 'déjà vu' and believes that many reported flying saucers are genuine.

Witness Testimonies

Many witnesses, including pilots, engineers, and ordinary citizens, are cited as having reported sightings, often facing skepticism. The article emphasizes that the public is ready to accept new discoveries without panic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings in Sweden and internationally, the challenges in gaining official recognition and scientific study of these phenomena, and the public's fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors, amplified by popular culture like films. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and researcher perspectives while acknowledging the skepticism from official bodies like the Air Force. There is a clear effort to legitimize UFO research as a serious pursuit, distinct from mere fantasy.

Title: SAXONS
Issue: 51/52
Volume: 80
Date: December 30, 1980
Publisher: Gefle Dagblad
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

Cover Story: UFOs and Scientific Inquiry

The cover of this SAXONS issue prominently features the headline, "DET HAR HAR INGET MED RELIGIÖS HUMBUG ATT GÖRA" (This has nothing to do with religious humbug). The article introduces Eskil Nyström, the chairman of UFO Gävleborg, who firmly believes in pursuing serious, scientific studies of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Nyström clarifies that UFO is an English abbreviation for unidentified flying objects and that their activities are not about faith or religious deception. He mentions that their studies include astronomy.

UFO Gävleborg has been active for six to seven years, once boasting over 100 members, but now has around 50 dedicated members. Nyström notes that individuals interested in science fiction and those with spiritualist leanings have joined, with the latter learning to distinguish between different areas of interest. He finds it challenging that some people still believe UFOs are craft from "the other side." However, he is encouraged by the growing interest among young people.

Nyström has been visiting schools in Sandviken to talk about UFOs, believing his approach makes the subject interesting for students. The organization previously held a popular exhibition at the county library, requiring them to show their informational film multiple times. Screen exhibitions have also been shown in Gävle libraries, leading to increased interest from schools.

Radio Amateurs

Eskil Nyström, like several other UFO Gävleborg members, is a radio amateur. Their involvement began with citizen's band radio, commonly used by hunters, and has evolved into a dedicated radio club. A private amateur radio station is being built, with plans to use a donated telex machine to correspond with UFO enthusiasts internationally. They conduct regular radio exercises and monitor connections, already receiving reports that require analysis. Nyström emphasizes that their primary goal is to debunk misinterpretations of known phenomena, stating, "We primarily aim to prove that it is not a UFO."

Incredible Sightings

Out of 100 reported UFO sightings, Nyström considers about ten to be interesting. He expresses a personal desire for explanations for his own observations, which are so incredible that he himself finds them hard to believe. He is hesitant to discuss these personal experiences, preferring to refer to accounts from others. These include descriptions of flattened, luminous "balloons" or "discs" that have landed and obstructed roads. He notes that some of these phenomena have never been explained.

Historical Context

The article touches upon the historical aspect of aerial phenomena, referencing the prophet Ezekiel's observations and a sighting by a US pilot on July 24, 1947, which was described as a flying saucer. Nyström observes a peculiar secrecy surrounding UFOs, noting that pilots sometimes report inexplicable sightings when the impression is fresh, but later tend to become evasive.

He mentions that the former Minister of Defence, Sven Andersson, stated that "flying saucers" are primarily a police matter, but generally, authorities seem to dismiss them as mere fantasy.

"It Was Venus"

The article provides an example of how misidentification can occur, citing a bright, white, luminous object seen over Storsjön the previous year, which was mistaken for a "flying saucer" but was actually the planet Venus, visible as the morning star. Eskil Nyström has studied celestial phenomena for 20 years and regrets that comprehensive, serious research is only conducted in France, Canada, and Spain.

UFO Sverige

UFO Sverige operates a central reporting hub in Sala, open 24/7. Nyström suggests that many people suffer from "built-in blinders," failing to notice even spectacular natural events like the northern lights.

The Mann Family's Hypnotic Encounter

The second major feature, written by Jean Carr, details the extraordinary claims of the Mann family, who, under hypnosis, recounted an experience of being taken aboard an alien spacecraft. The story begins with the family being followed by a mysterious object during a car ride in the summer of 1978. They noticed that an hour of their time had vanished, leading them to suspect they had been aboard a UFO.

The Lost Hour

John Mann, his wife Gloria, his sister Frances Farrow, and his children Natasha and Tanya, were unable to forget the incident. UFO specialist Frank Johnson documented their accounts. When further details were sought, John and Frances agreed to undergo hypnosis with hypnotherapist Geoffrey M'Cartney.

A White Fog and Alien Beings

Under hypnosis, John Mann described encountering a white fog on the road. A UFO hovered about 30 meters above the ground. He saw about eighty indistinct figures emerge from the fog and approach the car. They silently entered the vehicle, taking Gloria, Frances, and the children.

Inside the Spaceship

John was led into a large, circular room with three men dressed in metallic, gleaming suits with helmet-like hoods. Their skin was pale, and their eyes were bright blue. One of them spoke perfect English, assuring them they would not be harmed and only wished to examine them. John was then taken to another room with a chair resembling a dentist's chair. Two women, Akilias and Cosentia, entered. One secured his wrists to armrests while the other operated a control panel. An intense light shone on John's face, and he felt disoriented.

The Mission and Energy Source

Anouxia, a male alien, later joined them. He spoke in an unknown language before switching to English, explaining that they needed to move their spacecraft. John was taken back to the circular room, where Anouxia spoke into a wall-mounted microphone. Approximately fifty more individuals entered. Anouxia explained they were forced to relocate their spaceship and that John would be shown a film about their home planet. He stated their offer: to be allowed to settle on Earth in exchange for revealing their energy process. The film depicted a desolate landscape and a vehicle emerging from a rock, carrying six figures dressed like monks. Anouxia explained the "box" was a coffin, and the men were burying a relative.

Frances's Account

While John was being examined, Frances was taken to a room where a man named Uxiaulia, who identified himself as a pilot from the planet Janos, explained their situation. He showed them a film illustrating why they had left Janos and were searching for a new home. The film depicted three planets: Sarnia, Sarton, and Janos. Sarton, too close to the sun, began to disintegrate, causing a chain reaction that destroyed Janos. Survivors left Janos in a large spaceship, and smaller craft were dispatched to find a suitable planet. Uxiaulia explained that a meteorite had struck a nuclear power plant, triggering the catastrophe.

The Amnesia Drink

After the film, John, Gloria, Natasha, and Tanya were reunited. They were given a colorless, bubbly drink. Natasha and Tanya refused to drink it, but a female alien assured them it would help them forget, though they would eventually remember. Frances also received a similar drink.

Natasha's Memories

Even without hypnosis, five-year-old Natasha retained vivid memories. She recalled an aunt named Serkilias who showed her "monsters" and then small, green boys and girls with pistols from another planet. Serkilias mentioned that her home planet was too hot, necessitating their move.

Expert Opinions and Skepticism

Arthur C. Clarke, a science-fiction author, commented that flying saucers and alien visits are the "folklore of our time" and that the Mann family's story could easily be from a science fiction work. He suggested that if intelligent alien life exists, they likely wouldn't resemble humans or wear silver suits.

Psychiatrist David Waxman expressed doubt, noting that John Mann immediately identified a light in the sky as a UFO, indicating a pre-existing belief. He suggested that the influence of the interviewer and the hypnotist could lead individuals to recount what they believe to be true rather than objective reality.

However, hypnotherapist Geoffrey M'Cartney offered a more positive perspective, stating that while hypnosis itself doesn't confirm truth, the Mann family's experience was unique, and he believed they had not fabricated their story about meeting the spaceship's crew.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to present a balanced view on UFO phenomena, featuring both proponents of serious scientific investigation (like Eskil Nyström) and detailed accounts of alleged encounters (the Mann family). It also includes skeptical viewpoints from established figures in science and literature, suggesting an editorial stance that encourages exploration of the topic while maintaining a critical perspective. The use of hypnosis as a tool for uncovering witness testimony is a central theme, alongside the historical context and potential for misidentification. The magazine seems to aim at informing readers about UFO reports and research without necessarily endorsing all claims as factual, leaving room for interpretation and further investigation.