Argus - 1983 No 3

Magazine Overview

This is the third issue of ARGUS magazine, volume 7, from 1983. The magazine is published by UFO-Gävleborg, a member of the national organization UFO-Sverige. The cover prominently features the title 'ARGUS' and a headline about Hessdalen generating echoes worldwide, with a reference to pages 8-9. The issue includes a logo with a compass and square.

Editorial and Organizational Information

The magazine provides contact information for UFO-Gävleborg, including their postal address in Gävle and telephone numbers for the organization and its responsible editor, Jan Englund. The editorial board for 1983 is listed, with Roland Ustlund as Chairman, Thomas Dahl as Vice Chairman, Håkan Ekdahl as Secretary, Ylwa Jedendy as Treasurer, and Bo Eriksson as a board member. Additional board members (Ledamöter) include Bengt-Olof Bråtter and Ola Jøderby.

Subscription and membership details are provided: 50 SEK per year for families and individual members, and 25 SEK per year for military personnel, pensioners, and those under 18. Payment is to be made to postgiro number 21 45 89.

Readers are urged to notify the magazine of any address changes via post or by calling 026/11 69 69.

A table of contents lists the articles and their corresponding page numbers. Notable articles include 'Ledare' (Editorial), 'Reproduktionsmaskiner' (Reproduction Machines), 'Kidnappad på Öland' (Kidnapped on Öland), 'Hessdalen', 'Observationsrapporter' (Observation Reports), and 'FBI inför domstol' (FBI in Court).

Contributors are encouraged to submit articles and discussion pieces, with a request for manuscripts to be typed with maximum line spacing. Contributors should include their name, address, and phone number.

Articles and Content

Ledare (Editorial)

In the editorial, Jan Englund addresses the members, noting that while the summer was quiet, the autumn will be filled with a packed program. The series 'UFO-UFFE' is temporarily postponed but promised to return. A new series, 'Rapporter från UFO-Gävleborgs arkiv' (Reports from the UFO-Gävleborg Archive), begins with this issue and is expected to run for some time. The next issue is anticipated in December.

Reproduktionsmaskiner (Reproduction Machines)

This section, spanning pages 3 and 4, discusses the concept of Von Neumann machines, hypothetical self-replicating spacecraft. It references the 'Pioneer 10' probe's message to extraterrestrial civilizations and poses the question of why we haven't encountered alien life. The article delves into the theories of Frank J. Tipler, a mathematics professor at Tulane University, who argues that the galaxy must be empty of intelligent life except for humans. Tipler's reasoning is based on the idea that advanced civilizations would build Von Neumann machines to explore the galaxy, and these machines would have already populated it if intelligent life were widespread. The article also mentions Carl Sagan's counterarguments, which focus on the potential risks and controls associated with such machines. Sagan suggests that intelligent civilizations would likely implement reproduction controls to prevent uncontrolled expansion. The article concludes by contemplating a cosmic 'weed eradication' scenario where Von Neumann machines are hunted and destroyed by automated 'police spaceships'. The source is cited as DN, dated 83-07-09.

Kidnappad på Öland (Kidnapped on Öland)

This article on page 6 recounts an alleged UFO abduction incident on Öland. On New Year's Eve 1982-83, a young boy reportedly disappeared from his home while playing chess and reappeared later, claiming he was abducted by a flying saucer. He described a bright light and experienced unusual physical strength. Witnesses included his father, who was present during the chess game, and the boy's friend. The boy was taken to the hospital, where he experienced further episodes. The family dog reportedly refused to enter the room where the incident occurred for a day and a half. The article is attributed to 'TROT DET DEN SOM VILL' (Believe it if you want) and sourced from Östra Småland, dated 1983-01-08.

Vad händer på Lennarts åker? (What's happening on Lennart's field?)

On page 7, this article from Falkenberg reports on unexplained tracks found on a field belonging to a driver named Lennart Rybeck. The tracks resemble those made by four wheels driven at high speed. The field is described as inaccessible. The article also recalls that Rybeck inexplicably lost sheep and lambs from this field a few years prior. The tracks were not present during his previous visit. Rybeck speculates that a flying object from the air landed on the field, leaving the ground churned up. He notes that such objects are known to be able to ascend vertically. The article also mentions that Rybeck has not previously suspected his field of being a landing site, although unusual things have happened there over the years. He recounts losing lambs every fourteen days for a period, with no traces. Later, a sheep was found with a broken neck. The source is Hallands nyheter, dated 830711.

ETT UFO? (A UFO?)

This short report on page 8 describes a light observed over Avon, near Paris, on a Friday evening. The object moved westward for an hour. Experts determined it was not an airplane or satellite. The phenomenon repeated the following evening with two light points. The source is Stockholms tidningen, dated 19/7-83.

Ljusfenomen del av rymdfarkost? (Light phenomenon part of a spacecraft?)

This report from Hölö on page 8 describes a strange light phenomenon observed late Wednesday evening. The phenomenon, which appeared like a rocket that exploded at high altitude, had a multi-colored tail before disappearing. The Swedish defense staff investigated after receiving several calls. Bertil Lagervall, chief editor at the defense staff, stated that it was not Swedish military activity and suggested it was likely a foreign satellite or a spacecraft burning up upon re-entry into the atmosphere, or possibly a meteoroid. The source is Länstidningen, dated 11/7-83.

HAN SÅG UFO (He Saw a UFO)

This report from Korpilombolo on page 8 features Tore Hammerdahl, who claims to have seen a flying saucer. He observed a brightly shining disc moving across the sky for about 30 seconds. He was traveling to work with five colleagues, all of whom witnessed the phenomenon. Hammerdahl is convinced it was a flying saucer and not a comet or meteor. The source is Norrländska socialdemokraten, dated 9/2-83.

vad var det som syntes över Lerum? (What was seen over Lerum?)

This article on page 8 describes a triangular craft observed between Lerum and Alingsås on the night of June 5th. The craft moved rapidly sideways and horizontally, sometimes emitting a very strong light. Passengers in a car were blinded by the light, describing it as like looking into a welding torch. The driver has reported the incident to the UFO association in Gothenburg, which is investigating similar reports from the Lerum area.

VAD GÖR HESSDALEN SÅ INTRESSANT? (WHAT MAKES HESSDALEN SO INTERESTING?)

Pages 8 and 9 focus on Hessdalen, Norway. The article states that Hessdalen, a small village of 40 houses south of Trondheim, has been the subject of special attention due to alleged sightings of extraterrestrial beings, according to the locals. The interest in UFOs in Hessdalen has existed for some time, though the exact start is unclear. The cover illustration depicts a scene that appears to be related to Hessdalen, possibly a train or tram in a snowy environment.

BUSSLAST (BUSLOAD)

This section on page 10 describes a busload of villagers from Trondheim traveling to Hessdalen who reported seeing a flying saucer. The bus driver described it as a grey metallic object with red lights along its body. A passenger, Margit Olesen, corroborated the sighting, stating the UFO flew towards the bus, stopped, hovered, and then disappeared as quickly as it arrived.

ΑΝΟNYMA (ANONYMOUS)

Other passengers on the bus preferred to remain anonymous, fearing they would be dismissed as crazy. Norwegian military authorities have been informed but have not commented, noting that NATO radar did not detect anything. The article mentions that there have been other UFO observations in Hessdalen, including by Bjarne Lillvold, a carpenter who first saw a UFO in September of the previous year.

KÖRDE EFTER (DROVE AFTER)

Bjarne Lillvold described chasing a flying object that disappeared over the treetops. He described the object as an 'upside-down Christmas tree' hovering like a yo-yo. The light from the object was so intense that he had to shield his eyes. Similar witness testimonies have been reported hundreds of times in Hessdalen in recent months.

30 GÅNGER (30 TIMES)

Leif Havik, an electronics expert from Hessdalen, claims to have personally seen nearly 30 UFOs since March of the previous year. He believes that while some sightings can be explained, many point to UFOs or contact with extraterrestrial beings. Havik gave a lecture at Trondheim University about his observations, expressing his conviction that the objects are sent by extraterrestrial beings, possibly without living occupants, and that communication might be possible by finding the right 'wavelength'. The article concludes by stating that observations in Hessdalen continue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ARGUS are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the scientific and public discourse surrounding them. The magazine appears to present a range of reported incidents and expert opinions, particularly focusing on the Hessdalen phenomenon. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, presenting witness accounts and scientific theories without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to form their own opinions. The magazine also fosters a sense of community among UFO enthusiasts, as evidenced by the calls for contributions and membership information.

Title: OBSERVATIONSRAPPORTER
Issue Date: July 24, 1948 (for the first report), with other reports dated April 24, 1949, and February 1983.
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Language: Swedish
Country of Publication: Sweden

This issue of "OBSERVATIONSRAPPORTER" (Observation Reports) compiles several accounts of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and aerial phenomena, spanning different locations and time periods. The reports include detailed witness testimonies, technical analyses, and some commentary on the nature of these sightings.

Alabama Sighting, July 24, 1948

The primary report details a remarkable incident near Montgomery, Alabama, on July 24, 1948. According to Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Tacker of the Air Force, pilots Captain Clarence Chiles and First Officer John Whitted of an Eastern Airlines DC-3 aircraft encountered a peculiar aerial phenomenon. They described it as a wingless, cigar-shaped craft, over 30 meters long, with no protruding parts and approximately twice the diameter of a B-29. Chiles recounted their initial surprise and the object's maneuver: "We saw it at the same time and asked ourselves: What on earth is this?" The object then moved to the left, passing the DC-3 about 250 meters to its right and slightly above. Suddenly, as if to avoid them, the object shot upwards with a violent burst of flames from its rear, disappearing into the clouds. The resulting downdraft shook the DC-3.

The craft reportedly had no fins but appeared to have a cabin with windows on top. Captain Chiles described the cabin as looking like a "pilot's cabin, except that it shone brighter," with light intensity comparable to a magnesium flash. No crew was visible. A dark blue glow emanated from the sides of the craft, described as similar to the fluorescent light in a factory. The exhaust was a reddish-yellow flame, brighter at the edges. Pilots estimated its speed to be about three times that of a jet plane.

An investigation by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) reviewed 225 civilian and military flight logs and found no other aircraft in the vicinity of Montgomery at the time, except for an Air Force C-47. Scientific analysis suggested that a craft of the described dimensions could support a payload comparable to its own weight and fly at supersonic speeds. The report remains officially unexplained, with Lieutenant Colonel Tacker, despite being a UFO skeptic, labeling the phenomenon as inexplicable.

The report also mentions that this incident was similar to one observed by Professor Clyde Tombaugh. Ruppelt provides further details: the DC-3 was en route from Houston, Texas, to Atlanta around 2:45 AM. The crew initially mistook the object for a jet plane due to its light, but its approach was phenomenally fast. They observed two rows of glowing windows. One passenger reported seeing a strange, sharp light flash by. The incident caused considerable consternation at ATIC.

White Sands Sighting, April 24, 1949

Another significant report comes from White Sands, New Mexico, on April 24, 1949. Commander R.B. McLaughlin and engineer J.Gordon Vaeth of the Naval Research Laboratory documented an observation made during preparations for launching a large research balloon named "Skyhook." The mission involved launching a small weather balloon to measure upper-atmosphere winds.

At 10:20 AM, the small balloon was launched. Engineer Charles B. Moore tracked it with an ML-47 theodolite and a Class 25 telescope. At 10:30 AM, Moore observed a white, spherical object in the direction the theodolite was pointing, at an elevation of 45 degrees and an azimuth of 210 degrees. He then spotted the weather balloon and reoriented the UFO, which was near the sun's position (bearing 60 degrees elevation, 127 degrees azimuth). The object moved too rapidly for continuous tracking in the theodolite.

The observation report is described as exemplary. The object's shape was elliptical, and its color was "whitish-silver," "white-glowing," with a light yellow underside. Its size, visible to the naked eye and by all in the group, filled the theodolite's entire field of view. Due to its speed, Moore could not achieve a clear focus for detailed observation. The length was estimated to be 2+ times its width, subtending an angle of 0.02 degrees. Using a mountain range as a reference, McLaughlin and others estimated the UFO's size to be approximately 14 miles wide and 33 miles long. Its bearing changed from 45 degrees elevation and 210 degrees azimuth to a constant 20-25 degrees azimuth as it moved north, with the elevation increasing from a minimum of 25 degrees to 29 degrees before it disappeared.

McLaughlin estimated the altitude at 90,000 meters. Vaeth stated its speed was a 5-degree change in azimuth per second, while McLaughlin reported 4 degrees per second, possibly referring to elevation. The initial speed was estimated at 11 km/sec (39,600 km/hr). The UFO's course was from southwest to east, then north, with the azimuth decreasing and elevation increasing.

The object vanished after a steep climb, with the observation lasting about 60 seconds. Within 55 seconds, the elevation angle decreased from 45 to 25 degrees. All witnesses saw the UFO with the naked eye, and no sound was heard. A subsequent weather balloon launch 15 minutes after the sighting confirmed wind conditions, showing the original balloon traveled only 21 km in a southerly direction over 38 minutes at an altitude of 28,346 meters, further evidence against it being a balloon.

Vaeth noted that Moore's observation was exceptionally well-supported by tracking instruments and a weather balloon, calling it one of the best-confirmed and authentic UFO observations on record. McLaughlin expressed his conviction that the White Sands objects were flying saucers and spacecraft from another planet, piloted by intelligent beings.

Swedish Sightings, February 1983

The issue also includes two reports from Sweden. The first, from Nordingrå, Valmsta, describes Lasse Enström observing two silent, black, oval-shaped objects hovering silently above treetops on a Monday evening around 6:22 PM. He estimated them to be about 40 meters away. The upper object was twice the size of the lower one. They emitted no light, and he couldn't tell if they were moving. When he went to get binoculars, the objects disappeared. Enström reported experiencing TV interference around the same time.

The second Swedish report concerns a sighting near Timrå on a Monday evening in February 1983, between 5:50 PM and 6:25 PM. Inga-Britt Gelinder and her children witnessed a light several times larger than a star. Four meteorologists at Midlanda airport also observed a light phenomenon. Kjell Flyman reported seeing a light phenomenon in a westerly direction between 6:20 PM and 6:30 PM. Later, around 6:45 PM, he observed a dimmer, more distant light, possibly a second object. Three other meteorologists joined him. They described the light moving slowly away, decreasing in size and brightness. The light flickered and changed colors (white, yellow, orange, red) before disappearing northwards behind the smoke from the Gullfiber factory.

FBI Information and Lawsuit

A section titled "FBI INFOR DOMSTOL" (FBI INFOR COURT) discusses a 23-year-old official report allegedly concerning the arrival of nine extraterrestrial beings from outer space, with the Air Force reportedly still holding their remains. Larry Bryant, president of the organization "Cause" (Citizens Against Government Secrecy), claims the report is genuine. According to the report, delivered to then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover in 1959, the nine beings landed in three flying saucers in New Mexico. They were described as one meter tall, human-like, and wore metallic, sheer fabric clothing, similar to that worn by test pilots.

Bryant has filed a lawsuit demanding the Air Force release the remains. The Secretary of the Air Force, Vernon Orr, has 60 days to respond. Bryant suggests the US government is hiding something. Reuters obtained a copy of the document, which a spokesman deemed authentic. The report, part of a memorandum from Guy Hottel, chief of the FBI's Washington office, quotes an unnamed Air Force investigator. The investigator's findings were reportedly not acted upon.

An FBI spokesman stated they were aware of the memorandum and report but considered them "not worth a witness." However, Bryant remains convinced of their authenticity. He cites another Pentagon document from the previous day, which indicated that a defense department intelligence section had an "interplanetary phenomena division" until 1959, suggesting evidence of extraterrestrial life.

Bryant's lawsuit also claims that some of the beings he seeks to have released may still be alive and have been deprived of their civil rights and freedom of movement. Pentagon spokesman Henry Catto stated that the remains of the extraterrestrial beings had not been publicly disclosed to avoid upsetting their "next of kin." Another spokesman suggested Bryant's lawsuit was filed too late to secure the beings' release, implying they were thawed and sent away on a recent space shuttle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the observation and documentation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenges in identifying and explaining such sightings, and the role of official investigations and potential government secrecy. The magazine presents these reports as factual accounts, often quoting witnesses directly and providing details of technical observations and analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting evidence and witness testimonies without overt skepticism, even when quoting individuals who are generally considered skeptics (like Lt. Col. Tacker).

The inclusion of the FBI report and lawsuit adds a layer of intrigue regarding potential government knowledge and concealment of extraterrestrial contact. The magazine aims to inform its readers about these unusual events and the ongoing efforts to understand them.