Argus - 1983 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: ARGUS
Issue: NR 4, ÅRGÅNG 7
Year: 1983

This issue of ARGUS, a Swedish magazine focused on UFO phenomena and related topics, serves as the final publication for the year 1983. It is published by UFU-Gävleborg and is affiliated with the national organization UFO-SVERIGE. The cover features a festive, cartoonish illustration of the Earth wearing a Santa hat, with a rocket-like object flying past, accompanied by the greeting 'God Jul!' (Merry Christmas).

Editorial and Contents

The editorial, written by Håkan Ekdahl, the secretary of the organization, reflects on the approaching Christmas season and the end of the year's publications. It notes that while there haven't been many UFO cases reported specifically in the Gävleborg area, there was a significant international UFO meeting in England attended by representatives from various countries, including UFO-Sverige. The editorial also announces that members can now subscribe to 'UFO-Sverige aktuellt' at a special discount of 20%.

The table of contents reveals a diverse range of articles:

• Ledare (Editorial): Page 2
• Observationsrapport (Observation Report): Pages 3-4
• UFO-Kollision (UFO Collision): Page 5
• Universums Uppkomst (Origin of the Universe): Pages 6-8
• Blixten (Lightning): Page 9
• Observationsrapport (Observation Report): Pages 10-11
• UFO-Entusiast (UFO Enthusiast): Page 12
• Astronomisk Nyhet (Astronomical News): Pages 13-14
• UFO-Rapport (UFO Report): Pages 15-16

Key Articles and Reports

Observation Report: Bahia Blanca, Argentina (1950)

This report details a remarkable account from 1955 by engineer Dr. Enrico Bossa, who claimed to have entered a landed UFO five years prior. The incident occurred near Bahia Blanca, Argentina, about 10 miles from his hotel. He described a large, metallic, disc-shaped object. Upon entering, he found a cabin with a divan and three seats, occupied by three deceased beings approximately 1.20 meters tall, dressed in tight brown overalls with burnt or carbonized faces and black eye sockets. The interior featured a pulsating red light and a screen displaying moving images. Dr. Bossa experienced discomfort and left the craft. Later, a group led by Dr. Bossa returned to the site and found only a pile of ashes, which turned the hands of those who touched it purple. They also observed three UFOs at an altitude of 600 meters. Dr. Bossa reportedly suffered from fever and rashes for weeks afterward. The report notes that APRO has copies of photographs taken of the UFOs.

Observation Report: Las Cruces, New Mexico (1949)

This section recounts an observation by Professor Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer of Pluto. While outside his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with his wife and mother-in-law on August 20, 1949, they witnessed a cigar-shaped object in the sky. The object had two rows of windows emitting a green light and appeared rectangular. It maintained a steady course towards the horizon at approximately 25 degrees southeast. Tombaugh described the object's apparent length as about one degree, twice the apparent size of the moon. He stated that in all his thousands of hours of celestial observations, he had never seen anything so strange, admitting his impression was somewhat confused. He also mentioned seeing three other objects on different occasions that defied explanation. The report suggests this might have been a mothership.

Soviet Fighter Jet Damaged by UFO

This article, referencing an article from 'Sovjetskaja Kultura', discusses emerging facts about UFOs from the Soviet Union. It quotes the publication stating that the possibility of unidentified flying objects (UFO phenomena) having a connection with an extraterrestrial civilization cannot be ruled out, and that many Soviet scientists do not deny the existence of such phenomena. A specific incident from 1981 is described where a Soviet fighter pilot encountered a 'fireball' about five meters in diameter. The object reportedly circled the plane, as if measuring its speed, before passing directly through the jet's tail, causing damage. While initially thought to be ball lightning, the damage did not match that explanation.

Universums Uppkomst (Origin of the Universe)

This extensive article, translated from 'The Economist' (April 12, 1980), explores cosmological theories about the universe's origin. It begins by noting that for centuries, philosophers and theologians have debated the timing and cause of creation. The article highlights how modern physics has shifted this discussion, positing that the universe began with a 'big bang' – a rapid expansion from an extremely dense state. It discusses the concept of the universe's age, estimated at around 15 billion years, and the ongoing expansion observed through the redshift of light from distant galaxies, a phenomenon first noted by Edwin Hubble. The article touches upon Einstein's theory that space is like elastic material that can stretch and twist, supporting the idea of cosmic expansion. It also mentions theories about a cyclical universe or a universe that began with time itself. The piece contrasts the scientific approach with modern philosophy, suggesting that some philosophers are detached from scientific inquiry. It references the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation in 1965 as evidence supporting the Big Bang theory.

Blixten (Lightning)

This section contains a comic strip with illustrations by Janne-83. The first panel shows two rabbits discussing a race, with one asking if they should bet on who reaches a hill in ten seconds. The second panel depicts a turtle jumping with 'Boing!' sound effects, suggesting a humorous or whimsical take on movement or speed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings and encounters from various parts of the world, including specific reports and general discussions. There is an underlying theme of seeking scientific explanations while acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial origins. The inclusion of cosmological articles suggests an interest in the broader context of humanity's place in the universe. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to submit their findings and promoting the exchange of information within the UFO community. The magazine also seems to be part of a larger network of UFO organizations in Sweden, as indicated by its affiliation with UFO-SVERIGE and the mention of subscribing to their publication.

This issue of "OBSERVATIONSRAPPORTER" (Observation Reports) focuses on UFO/UAP sightings and related phenomena, with a significant astronomical discovery. The issue contains reports from 1950 and a scientific article about the star Vega. The language is primarily Swedish.

UFO/UAP Observations

TWA Pilot Sighting (April 27, 1950)

This report details an observation by TWA pilots Robert Manning and Robert Adickes near Indiana. While flying at 600 meters altitude in a DC-3 at 280 km/h, they observed a strange red light below and behind their plane. The object, described as an orange-red, sharp-colored clump of glowing metal, was disc-shaped and the upper part shone the most. The pilots confirmed it was not a wing lantern or similar device. They noted the object maintained the same speed as their plane and moved away when they approached. The object's speed was estimated to be 640 km/h, more than double their own speed, suggesting a rapid acceleration. Both pilots were experienced, with around 6,000 flight hours each. Flight attendant Gloria Hinshaw described it as a large, red wheel rolling. S.N. Miller, a director at a jewelry company, also confirmed seeing a large red disc. Other witnesses included C.H. Jenkins, D.C. Bourland, and E.J. Fitzgerald.

Professor Hess Observation (May 20, 1950)

Professor Seymour L. Hess, an astronomer and meteorologist at Florida State University, reported an observation made from an aircraft near Lowell, USA. Between 12:15 and 12:20, he saw an object moving from southeast to northwest. Using binoculars, he described it as appearing like a parachute tilted vertically, or a sphere partially lit by the sun and partially in shadow, or a disc. He confirmed it was not an airplane or a bird, and saw no exhaust signs. The object appeared dark against a bright sky and lighter against a dark cloud. He estimated the object's altitude to be around 2,000 meters (based on weather bureau data) and calculated its size to be 3-5 feet (1-2 meters) at an altitude of 6,000-12,000 feet (2000-4000 meters). He estimated its speed to be around 100-200 miles per hour (160-320 km/h), indicating it had its own propulsion. Hess noted that the object's movement was at a right angle to the cloud drift, suggesting it was not carried by the wind.

UFO Enthusiast Visit (Carl-Gustaf Porat)

This section reports on an interview with Carl-Gustaf Porat, a UFO enthusiast, by the newspaper Dala-Demokraten. Porat claims to have spoken with hundreds of people, including about twenty in the Dalarna region, who have observed UFOs. He believes that beings, similar to humans but with distinct features like blue-black hair and large eyes, are visiting Earth. He states there are 20 different types of UFO beings on Earth from various parts of the universe. Porat claims to have seen nine different types himself and considers himself a medium for UFO people, who he believes aim to help humanity achieve higher consciousness and a better world.

Pilot Observations in the Air (Korea, September 1950)

This report recounts an experience of pilot D., who served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He and another pilot were on a mission to bomb a truck convoy when they observed two round shadows moving at high speed across the ground. Looking up, they saw enormous objects. D.'s radar indicated the objects were about 2 km away, but they seemed to slow down, back up, and begin to vibrate. D. attempted to fire his weapons, but his radar became inoperable, displaying a bright glare that could not be adjusted. His radio communications were also jammed with a strange hissing sound. The objects then maneuvered around their planes. D. estimated the objects' diameter to be 200-250 meters. They appeared as silver mirrors surrounded by a reddish glow, with oval openings emitting a copper-green light. A shimmering red ring was visible around the top. The underside had a completely black, circular area that remained still despite the objects' movements. Pilot D. reported feeling heat and high-frequency vibrations inside the cabin. The objects eventually departed at high speed. The six pilots involved were debriefed, and their planes were tested for radiation effects. The films from the cannon cameras were found to be foggy and overexposed. Pilot D. stated that these objects were real, intelligently controlled, and products of intelligences far superior to humans, likely from outer space.

Astronomical News

Astronomical News: Vega

This article reports on a discovery made by the Iras (Infrared Astronomical Satellite) telescope. While calibrating its instruments to measure infrared radiation from Vega, a star 26 light-years away, scientists detected a particle disc surrounding it. This suggests the formation of a planetary system. The infrared radiation measured was ten to twenty times more intense than expected, and the source was spread out over twenty arc seconds, not point-like. This spread corresponds to 80 astronomical units (AU) from Vega, which is twice the size of our sun. The average temperature of the material around Vega was 160°C (90 K). The particle size in the disc was estimated to be around one millimeter, significantly larger than interstellar dust. Scientists believe this disc is the embryo of a planetary system, allowing observation of a solar system's evolution. Vega is described as a young star, more massive and hotter than our sun, and it burns its hydrogen faster. Our solar system is 4.6 billion years old, and the sun will last another five billion years, while Vega will swell into a red giant in less than half a billion years. The article notes that such discoveries suggest planetary systems are common. The Iras satellite, launched in January, is designed to map the sky in infrared wavelengths and has a lifespan extended to 18 months due to lower helium consumption than anticipated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the observation and reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP/UFOs) and the scientific exploration of space. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these phenomena, presenting pilot testimonies and scientific findings without immediate dismissal. The inclusion of detailed reports from credible witnesses like pilots and professors, alongside astronomical discoveries, suggests an open-minded approach to understanding both terrestrial and celestial mysteries. The publication of a UFO enthusiast's claims, while presented as an interview, also indicates an interest in various perspectives on the subject.