Argus - 1981 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: ARGUS
Issue: 4
Volume: 5
Year: 1981
Publisher: GÄVLEBORGS UFO FÖRENING
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Argus magazine, published by Gävleborgs UFO Förening, delves into a diverse range of topics, blending technological advancements with ancient mysteries and UFO phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial section, represented by Chairman Roland Östlund, reflects on the past year's activities of the Gävleborgs UFO Förening. It highlights the success of a traveling exhibition held in various locations in Hälsingland and notes the increased media coverage in local newspapers. A planning conference in Sundsvall is mentioned, focusing on future cooperation between Nordic countries. The association's membership has grown to 45, with expectations of further increase. The editorial concludes with holiday wishes to the members.

Deep Sea Treasures: Gold Salvage with New Technology

This article details the use of advanced technology for deep-sea salvage operations. It focuses on the recovery of 6 tons of gold, valued at over 500 million kronor, from the wreck of the British cruiser Edinburgh, which sank in the Barents Sea in 1942. The article introduces the 'Wasp' and 'Mantis' submersibles, described as advanced one-man underwater vehicles. The Wasp, capable of descending to 610 meters, uses propellers for maneuverability and has manipulator arms with grip claws. It features a unique rescue system where the pilot can jettison external equipment to surface if trapped. The Mantis, a similar but more advanced submersible, can reach depths of 700 meters and costs 2.5 million kronor. The article emphasizes how modern technology is making previously inaccessible parts of the ocean, referred to as the 'inner space,' accessible for exploration and discovery.

TMR: Replacing X-rays and Blood Tests

This section introduces a revolutionary medical technology called TMR (Topical Magnetic Resonance), developed in England. TMR uses harmless radio signals to examine the condition of organs within the human body, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods like blood tests and X-rays. The technology, which works by analyzing the radio signals emitted by atoms in the body, is being developed at Oxford. Currently, only two TMR machines exist globally, with a third in production for the USA. The article suggests that TMR could significantly improve diagnostic capabilities, particularly for conditions like kidney or heart transplantations, and may eventually render X-ray machines obsolete.

Solar Power Advances

The article 'Soldrivna etervågor' (Solar-powered radio waves) reports on the successful operation of the USA's first solar-powered radio station in Ohio. The station's solar cells are exceeding expectations, providing over 90 percent of its energy needs. The project is a collaboration between the American Department of Energy, MIT, and the battery company Exide. The system utilizes a large battery bank (UD-466) to store energy, weighing a total of 2 tons.

Ancient Mysteries and UFOs

Several articles touch upon ancient mysteries and UFO phenomena.

One article discusses the theories of Erich von Däniken, particularly in his book 'Det förgångnas profet' (The Prophet of the Past). Von Däniken posits that Earth has been visited by extraterrestrial beings multiple times throughout history, significantly influencing human development. The article notes that while von Däniken faces criticism, some scientists find merit in his theories. It specifically examines the Ark of the Covenant, referencing its description in the Old Testament and von Däniken's theories about its function as a device possibly powered by a miniature nuclear reactor, and its supposed location in Ethiopia.

Another piece, 'Besökare från rymden?' (Visitors from space?), revisits the UFO wave of the 1950s and the subsequent investigations, including the US Air Force's Project Blue Book. It highlights the work of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer who initially served as a consultant for Project Blue Book. Hynek's later book, 'UFO-rapporten' (UFO Report), critically examines the project's findings and suggests that many UFO reports cannot be explained by natural phenomena, pointing towards the possibility of intelligent activity. The article includes a quote from Hynek expressing his belief in the significance of UFO phenomena and their potential to revolutionize humanity's understanding of the universe.

Planetary and Stellar Information

Two pages are dedicated to astronomical information. One page illustrates the solar system, showing the relative positions of the planets from Mercury to Pluto and their orbital speeds. It states that planetary speed is dependent on their distance from the sun, with Mercury having the fastest orbital speed (48 km/sec) and Pluto the slowest (4.7 km/sec). Earth's average orbital speed is noted as approximately 30 km/sec.

The other astronomical page provides examples of some of the brightest giant stars, such as Aldebaran, Arcturus, Capella, Vega, Sirius, Antares, Herkules, and Betelgeuse, in relation to our own sun.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of cutting-edge technology and unexplained phenomena, whether in the deep sea, the human body, or the cosmos. There's a clear interest in ancient mysteries and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence, as evidenced by the coverage of Erich von Däniken and UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting new scientific and technological developments alongside more speculative theories about UFOs and ancient history, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The publication serves as a platform for disseminating information on these diverse and often interconnected subjects within the UFO and speculative science community.

This issue of Ljusnan, dated September 1981, presents a diverse range of articles covering atmospheric science, Earth's physical characteristics, astronomical phenomena, and UFO reports.

Atmospheric Layers and Phenomena

The magazine details the composition and structure of Earth's atmosphere, dividing it into distinct layers: the troposphere, stratosphere, ionosphere, and exosphere. The troposphere, the lowest layer, contains most of the air and water vapor, with weather phenomena occurring within its lower zone. Above this lies the stratosphere, characterized by strong winds at higher altitudes. The ionosphere is described as being composed of ionized layers formed by solar ultraviolet radiation, crucial for reflecting radio waves and enabling long-distance radio communication. The exosphere is identified as the outermost zone where auroras occur. The text also explains atmospheric pressure, its measurement by barometers, and how it varies with altitude, temperature, and humidity.

Earth's Shape and Size

Several articles explore the shape and dimensions of the Earth. It is explained that modern satellite imagery confirms what ancient philosophers like Pythagoras suspected: that the Earth is round. Historical evidence, including Magellan's circumnavigation, is cited as proof. The Earth is described as not being a perfect sphere but an oblate spheroid, flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. The concept of a 'geoid' is introduced to describe the Earth's more irregular, specific shape.

Astronomical Observations and Events

The issue features reports on significant astronomical events and observations. One prominent article details the collision of a comet with the sun on August 30, 1979, an event detected by the 'Solwind' instrument on a defense satellite. The energy released was equivalent to thousands of hydrogen bombs. Another report discusses unusually high temperatures found in gas clouds around Saturn, detected by the Voyager probe, noting that these clouds consist of ionized particles.

UFO Sightings and Exhibitions

UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) are a recurring theme. An exhibition in Köping attracted over 10,000 visitors, with plans for it to return the following summer. The article mentions visitors from distant countries like New Zealand and Hawaii. Another section highlights a UFO exhibition organized by the Gävleborg UFO-förening, which traveled to various locations, including Ljusdal, Bollnäs, and Söderhamn. This exhibition featured a case from Tierp, where an object entered a home, and its analysis revealed unusual composition. The article also includes a report from Göran Nilsson of Norra Åstorp, who observed a slowly moving, unidentified object with blinking lights. Former US President Jimmy Carter is also mentioned as having reported seeing a flying saucer.

Lunar Timekeeping

A unique article introduces the concept of a 'lunour' as a unit of lunar time, developed by Dr. Kenneth Franklin. This system aims to standardize timekeeping for astronauts on the Moon, particularly for communication when on the far side of the Moon. The article explains how a lunar clock would function, dividing a lunation (the period from one new moon to the next) into segments.

Poetry and Personal Reflections

The issue includes a poem titled 'Septembernatt' (September Night) by Ingrid B-m, reflecting on the night sky, constellations, and the Earth's place in the universe. It also features an art review of an exhibition at Bollnäs library, showcasing works related to both art and UFOs, including pieces by Siv Engström, Björn Andersson, Alvar Jansson, and Sven E Johansson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts an informative and observational stance, presenting scientific facts alongside reports of unexplained phenomena like UFOs. There is a clear interest in exploring the unknown, from the depths of Earth's atmosphere to the mysteries of space. The inclusion of UFO reports, while acknowledging the skepticism of the majority, suggests an open-minded approach to investigating such phenomena. The articles on atmospheric science and Earth's shape reflect a commitment to educating readers about fundamental scientific knowledge. The overall tone is one of curiosity and a desire to share new findings and intriguing observations with the public.

This issue of the magazine, titled "Tefatstokarna växer i antal" (UFO Mania is Growing), published by KURIREN on October 19, 1981, focuses on the increasing interest and sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in Sweden. The cover features a striking image of a mysterious object and a headline that immediately draws the reader into the topic of UFOs.

UFO-föreningen i Gävleborgs län: Activities and Mission

The magazine highlights the work of the UFO-föreningen i Gävleborgs län (UFO Association of Gävleborg County), which was founded in 1976 and has approximately 50 members ranging in age from 15 to 90. The association's primary mission is to demonstrate the reality of UFO phenomena through information dissemination. They aim to break through public passivity and increase knowledge about UFOs. The organization sees itself as a contact point for the public and works to gather, stimulate, and activate UFO enthusiasts in Sweden.

Exhibitions and Panel Debates

As part of their efforts, the UFO Gävleborg association organized a traveling exhibition that was shown in various locations, including Ljusdal, Hudiksvall, Bollnäs, Söderhamn, and Ockelbo. This exhibition featured texts and images detailing numerous UFO incidents and personal accounts from individuals who claimed to have encountered UFOs. In Söderhamn, the exhibition was accompanied by a panel debate, featuring the association's chairman Roland Östlund, vice chairman Thomas Dahl, and Ola Jädenby. The panel addressed public questions and shared information about UFO phenomena.

Personal Accounts and Sightings

The magazine includes several personal accounts of UFO sightings. Tomas Dahl, the vice chairman, recounts seeing a UFO himself during a period when many reports were coming in from the region. He describes observing several luminous objects forming a 'v' formation that maneuvered before disappearing. Another member, Roland Östlund, the chairman, was inspired to form the association after witnessing seven luminous objects over Valbo church, which he initially mistook for an asteroid belt but found to be moving too slowly.

The Hofors Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a report from Hofors, where two unrelated individuals, Ellner Norberg and Håkan Andersson, independently reported seeing a similar phenomenon on the same morning. Norberg, a department manager at Sandvik, described a blindingly bright light that approached from the west. When the light changed direction, he saw a metallic, cigar-shaped object behind it, which then shot north at high speed. Andersson, a work supervisor, also observed a bright light with a tail moving east, which rotated and moved in circles before disappearing. The similarity in their accounts, including the timing, suggests they witnessed the same event. The UFO association investigated this phenomenon, ruling out military exercises and other conventional explanations.

Other Notable Sightings

• Several other sightings are reported:
• A luminous object with a smoky trail was seen in southern Värmland and Ekshärad.
• A large, round, luminous object was reported moving rapidly along the east coast of Sweden, causing concern and leading to temporary disruptions at Bromma airport.
• A bright light with a blue-green-white glow was observed in the Väse area, moving from Lake Vänern towards Ölme.
• A mysterious white ball with a blue tail was seen moving at high speed in Skärså.

The Tierp Case: An Unexplained Object

The magazine details the "Tierp case," a significant incident from 1976. An object fell and landed on a windowsill of a family in Tierp. The UFO association obtained the object and submitted it for analysis. The results were highly intriguing: the object emitted radioactivity and contained six unknown chemical compounds not found on Earth. Its properties were unlike those of known meteorites, suggesting it originated from a larger object that exploded outside Earth's atmosphere. The analysis revealed a peculiar thread system and magnetic properties. The magazine notes that further analysis was underway at a metallurgical laboratory in Stockholm.

Official Attitudes and International Research

The article touches upon the official stance on UFO research in Sweden, noting that it is not yet fully accepted. The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOA), which handles official UFO reports, has reportedly revised its previously dismissive attitude. However, the magazine implies that a lack of dedicated scientific research is a major obstacle. In contrast, several nations, including Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, Greece, China, and even the Soviet Union, are mentioned as having some form of UFO research. The article also references the Watergate scandal in the US, suggesting it led to the declassification of UFO-related documents, revealing numerous unexplained incidents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing number of UFO sightings, the efforts of civilian UFO organizations to investigate and inform the public, and the general lack of official scientific inquiry into the phenomenon in Sweden. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a desire to bring attention to unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging public participation and reporting. The magazine positions itself as a source of information for those interested in UFOs, highlighting personal experiences and specific cases.

Future Speculation

One brief article speculates on future human appearance, suggesting that by the year 5981, humans will be significantly different, characterized by being shorter, thinner, hairless, and paler. This section, attributed to Ron Caylor and referencing professors Gabriel Lasker and Lorring Brace, offers a glimpse into speculative anthropology and the potential long-term evolutionary path of humanity, though it is somewhat tangential to the main UFO focus.

Technological Advancement

Another short piece discusses the future of electronic payment systems, describing a concept for an electronic wallet that would function like a compact calculator, allowing users to manage finances and make payments. This article, "Den elektroniska plånboken" (The Electronic Wallet), by TEKNIK FÖR ALLA, highlights technological advancements in personal finance, separate from the UFO theme.

Cartoon

A small cartoon at the end of the issue depicts a humorous exchange about a "flying small thing" and the need for a "Voyager" and "Uranus," possibly a lighthearted nod to space exploration or extraterrestrial themes.

Conclusion

Overall, the magazine issue provides a comprehensive look at the UFO phenomenon in Sweden during the early 1980s, emphasizing public interest, the activities of dedicated enthusiasts, and the ongoing mystery surrounding these unexplained events. The publication serves as a record of sightings, investigations, and the societal engagement with the topic of UFOs.