Argus - 1982 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: ARGUS
Issue: No. 2
Volume: 6
Year: 1982
Publisher: Gävleborgs UFO-förening
Language: Swedish

This issue of ARGUS, the member magazine for UFO Gävleborg, features a cover illustration depicting a forest scene with a bright light in the sky, accompanied by the headline "MYSTISKT ELOKLOT HEMSÖKTE JÄMTLANDS LÄN" (Mysterious ball of light haunted Jämtland County). The magazine delves into various UFO-related incidents and the activities of the UFO Gävleborg organization.

Redaktionellt (Editorial)

The editorial section notes the increased use of illustrations in the new issue, featuring drawings by Jan Englund. It highlights recent UFO activity, particularly in Norway, where mysterious light phenomena have been observed for months. The organization has also established contact with a Yugoslavian UFO association, UFO-NLP, which publishes a magazine called ODYSSEY. The editorial announces a summer break for the magazine's 'shop' and encourages members to provide feedback on articles and content for future issues. The editorial team is represented by Secretary Håkan Ekdahl, who wishes readers a pleasant summer.

UFO-PÅDRAG I NORGE (UFO Incidents in Norway)

This section details UFO observations in Norway, focusing on the Hessdalen area. It reports that Norwegian defense radar stations detected unidentified objects. The Norwegian television has documented UFO phenomena in Hessdalen, with one object described as emitting a rainbow-colored light and hovering near a mountain base. Frilandsjournalist Arne W Wisth and photographer Jon Gisle Borseth documented these events. A local resident, Ånge Moe, described seeing a yellow light that moved erratically and then disappeared. TV photographer Harald Tusberg, head of entertainment at Norwegian TV, expressed journalistic interest in the Hessdalen events and suggested plans for a new, better-organized expedition.

Further accounts from Hessdalen describe two witnesses on snowmobiles encountering two pulsating lights that performed complex maneuvers. These objects were described as egg-shaped with luminous windshields. The events in Hessdalen are compared to scenes from the movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. Journalist Jan Ove Sundberg noted the similarity and the ongoing mystery surrounding the phenomena.

VAD VAR DET SOM FLÖG ÖVER AVESTA (What Was Flying Over Avesta?)

This article recounts a sighting near Krylbo and Avesta on a Sunday afternoon. A family reported a balloon-like object with a strong light passing overhead. The object was estimated to be 6-700 meters high and moved silently, with a speed comparable to a helicopter. It was described as an orange-colored craft illuminated from below by a powerful flame-like light. Despite strong winds, the object's path appeared straight before its light faded as it disappeared over the horizon.

HESSDALEN REPORTS AND OTHER OBSERVATIONS

This section compiles reports from various sources. It mentions that the Norwegian air force is taking UFO observations more seriously due to the increasing number of reports from Hessdalen. Two officers were sent to investigate. Radar stations reported five unidentified objects, four of which were identified as aircraft, but one remained unexplained. Captain Leif Voldseth of the radar station confirmed this.

A report from Västerviks Demokraten (March 26, 1982) discusses a phenomenon seen in the Västerås sky. A bright light was observed ascending rapidly and passing through high clouds, with no sound reported. This was speculated to be a Russian rocket launch, as confirmed by Stig Aggestad from UFO-Sverige's report center in Eskilstuna, noting that Russian rocket launches have been observed before and can be seen from great distances under favorable conditions.

Another report from Vestmanlands Läns Tidning (April 13, 1982) also discusses the phenomenon seen near Västerås, suggesting it was likely a Russian rocket launch. It emphasizes that ordinary rockets cannot reach such altitudes or pass through clouds.

GÄVLEBORGS UFO-FÖRENINGS VERKSAMHETSBERÄTTELSE FÖR ÅR 1981 (Gävleborgs UFO Association's Activity Report for 1981)

The report details the board of Gävleborgs UFO-förening for 1981, including Ordförande Roland Östlund, Vice Ordförande Thomas Dahl, Kassör Bengt-Olov Bratter, Ledamot Eskil Nyström, and Ledamot Benny Öhman, along with their substitutes and auditors.

Sammankomster (Meetings): The association held approximately twenty member meetings in their 'green room' and four official member meetings. A combined Lucia and Christmas party was held on December 13th. Observation evenings took place in Råhällan and Främlingshem, and a notable observation evening was held at Kungsberget on October 4th, attended by representatives from Solnes Astronomical Society.

Medlemsantalet (Membership): The number of members in 1981 was 35.

Föreningens Ekonomi (Association's Finances): The financial status is detailed in a separate auditor's report for 1981. The balance sheet for December 31, 1981, shows income from membership fees and lotteries, and expenditures for printing the member magazine, postbox rent, and other minor costs. The closing balance for the postgiro account was 544:55.

Undersökningsverksamhet (Investigation Activities): The association investigated several UFO-related cases within the Gävleborg county.

Utåtriktad Information (Public Information): The association conducted a touring exhibition in larger cities within the Gävleborg area, which received significant press interest. The association's chairman, Crister Nordin, was invited to open their exhibition in Hudiksvall.

FÖRENINGENS TIDNING (Association's Magazine)

The member magazine "ARGUS" was published in four issues, with the board responsible for its content. ARGUS is sent as an exchange copy to other countries' magazines, including the West German CENAP, the Norwegian NIVFO, and NUFOC.

Slutord (Concluding Remarks): The year 1981 was described as interesting, with the touring exhibition generating significant interest and leading to many new contacts. The membership in the national organization UFO-Sverige (of which Gävleborgs UFO-förening is a group) is steadily increasing. The chairman expresses a hope that authorities will actively contribute to UFO research in the near future.

Revisionsberättelse (Auditor's Report)

The auditor's report for Gävleborgs UFO-förening for 1981 confirms that the association's accounts and administration were handled in an orderly and accurate manner. The income and expenses for the year, as well as the association's financial standing at the end of the year, are presented in attached excerpts from the accounts. The report is signed by Stig Myrin, Bengt-Olof Bratter, and Jan Wall, dated Gävle, March 20, 1982.

Många såg lysande UFO (Many Saw a Luminous UFO)

This article reports on a UFO-fall reported through the newly installed alarm telephone number 116969. Several people reported seeing a strong light on the night of Easter. The UFO Gävleborg contacted local newspapers, and it was confirmed that many people had witnessed the phenomenon. The report center identified it as a Russian rocket launch. The article includes a drawing and details from witnesses in Östhammar and Gävle, including police officers.

Sovjetiskt superfyrverkeri!? (Soviet Super Fireworks!?)

This article discusses the phenomenon observed on Easter morning, suggesting it was a Soviet rocket launch visible across large parts of central Sweden. Nils-Roland Östlund, chairman of Gävle UFO-förening, compiled the reports, noting sightings from Östhammar and Västerås. The high altitude of the phenomenon suggests a military launch. The article includes a report from Gefle Dagblad dated April 14, 1982.

Ljuset – en rysk raket? (The Light – A Russian Rocket?)

This article from Arbetarbladet (April 14, 1982) also discusses the luminous object seen on Easter morning. Several people in Gästrikland reported seeing a bright, luminous object moving north for about a minute, with a strong white light and a trailing flame or exhaust. Nils Roland Östlund suggests it was likely a rocket launch from the Soviet Union. A witness from Sandviken described the phenomenon as a powerful spotlight with a beam shining straight down, which eventually faded but the beam lingered. This is explained as a rocket stage burning out.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, particularly unexplained aerial phenomena and light events. There's a focus on documenting and investigating these occurrences, with a strong emphasis on reports from Norway (Hessdalen) and Sweden. The magazine also highlights the activities and organizational efforts of the Gävleborgs UFO-förening, including their meetings, exhibitions, and publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also providing plausible explanations like rocket launches when evidence supports it. There's a clear effort to engage members and the public in reporting and discussing these events.

This issue of Länstidningen, dated March 24, 1982, focuses on the alleged UFO encounter and abduction of British police constable Alan Godfrey. The cover headline asks, "Was Alan kidnapped by beings from a strange planet?"

Alan Godfrey's Encounter

The main article details the experience of Constable Alan Godfrey, a 34-year-old father of two, on a foggy November night in 1980 in Todmorden, England. While on patrol on the deserted Burnley Road, Godfrey observed a strange object hovering about a meter above the ground. He described it as approximately seven meters long and three meters high, with no wheels. The object had a rotating "cap" on top and a row of small windows emitting a blue light. As Godfrey began to sketch the object, it suddenly disappeared, and the surroundings turned black.

Upon returning to the police station, Godfrey found that his radio equipment had failed. He initially kept his experience to himself, fearing disbelief. However, his colleagues had also witnessed an unidentified flying object, prompting Godfrey to file a report and include his sketch.

Investigation and Hypnosis

Following media attention, Detective Inspector Norman Collison from Manchester, along with two UFO researchers, interviewed Godfrey. They revisited the location and meticulously reconstructed the events. The investigation revealed a discrepancy in the time elapsed; Godfrey believed it was about three minutes from sighting to departure, but the investigators determined it was closer to fifteen minutes. Godfrey was reluctant to undergo hypnosis but eventually agreed. Under hypnosis, he recounted further details of the encounter.

During the hypnotic session, Godfrey described the object's interior, including a table and a strange being he identified as "Joseph." He reported being examined by small, robot-like beings with lamp-like heads and described a terrifying experience of being touched and prodded. He also mentioned a large, frightening dog-like creature.

His account under hypnosis included being placed on a table covered in black leather and subjected to a bright light and strange apparatuses. He felt pain when trying to look at the devices and described something being placed around his arm, similar to a blood pressure cuff but vibrating and cold. He also felt something around his left leg.

Eventually, Godfrey found himself back in his car, with the object gone. The hypnosis session was terminated due to Godfrey's elevated heart rate, indicating he was at risk of a heart attack.

Expert Opinion and Similar Cases

A psychiatrist, Robert Blair, from Manchester, commented on Godfrey's case, stating that while people can lie under hypnosis or recount things they've read, Godfrey's experience was unlike anything he had encountered before. The article also highlights two other cases that lend credibility to Godfrey's story:

1. The Betty and Barney Hill Abduction (USA, November 1961): The couple reported being abducted by a UFO and examined by "small men with enormous eyes" dressed in uniforms. Their accounts, given separately under hypnosis, were remarkably consistent.
2. The Fortunato Zanfretta Case (Italy, December 1978): A night watchman reported being taken into a "flying saucer" by "grey, fat, wrinkled" beings who examined him and placed a helmet-like device on his head.

Godfrey expressed a desire for privacy and stated he was not interested in such matters, emphasizing his commitment to his police duties and denying any alcohol consumption during his shift.

Other UFO Sightings in Sweden

The magazine also features several other UFO and luminous object sightings from Sweden in late 1981 and early 1982:

• Bräcke (February 24, 1982): Carola Lundqvist, 82, reported seeing a bright, oval object moving at high speed across the sky.
• Frösön (February 12, 1982): A young couple observed an intense, white or yellowish-white luminous object, possibly disc-shaped, moving slowly at low altitude towards Lugnvik.
• Falbygden (February 11, 1982): Lars Waller observed a large, brightly lit object hovering below the clouds, which then disappeared at high speed.
• Hälleforsnäs (January 29, 1982): Artur Karlsen reported seeing a strong white light moving at airplane altitude, followed by a dark red color in the sky.
• Strömstad (Date not specified, Monday afternoon): A mysterious red glowing fireball was reported moving from east to west.
• Enarsvedjan, Offerdal (November 26, 1981): Carina Albinsson reported seeing a luminous fireball with a red-green "tail" moving eastwards over the treetops. This was her third such sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly focuses on UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters, particularly the Alan Godfrey case, which is presented as a significant event investigated by authorities and experts. The inclusion of similar cases from other countries and multiple contemporary sightings from Sweden suggests an editorial stance that takes these phenomena seriously and seeks to document them. The use of hypnosis as a tool for investigation is also a recurring theme. The magazine appears to be aimed at readers interested in unexplained phenomena and UFOlogy, presenting witness testimonies and expert opinions to explore the possibility of extraterrestrial contact.