Fakta - 1973 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: FAKTA?
Issue: 3
Volume: 4. årgang
Date: 1973
Publisher: FAKTA?
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of FAKTA? magazine, dated 1973, focuses on the intriguing intersection of ancient history, technology, and unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. The cover prominently features an image of what is suggested to be an ancient battery, with the headline "BATTERI FRA OLDTIDEN" (Batteries from Antiquity), directing readers to an article on page 9.

Table of Contents

The table of contents on page 3 outlines the diverse topics covered:

• "Vil opplyse hele himmelrommet" (Will illuminate the entire firmament) - likely an editorial or introductory piece.
• "Siden sist..." (Since last time...) - updates and news.
• "Nye bøker" (New books) - reviews of recent publications.
• "Fokus på fortiden og UFO-saken, del 2" (Focus on the past and the UFO issue, part 2) - a continuing series.
• "Oldtidens teknologi" (Ancient technology) - a key article.
• "Spørreskjemaet" (The questionnaire) - results or discussion of a reader survey.
• "Strøtanker" (Random thoughts).
• "Fotomysterium: Hvem var rommannen?" (Photo mystery: Who was the spaceman?).
• "Eldre nr. av FAKTA?" (Older issues of FAKTA?).
• "UFO svarte på lyssignaler..." (UFOs responded to light signals...).
• "Bevæpnede vakter våker over død UFO-pilot." (Armed guards watch over a dead UFO pilot.).
• "Pyramidene flyter..." (The pyramids float...).
• "Hva skjer i Namdalen?" (What is happening in Namdalen?).
• "Mini-UFO..." (Mini-UFO...).

Featured Articles and Content

Comet Kahoutek

Page 3 features an article about the discovery of a new comet, "Kahoutek," by German astronomer Lubos Kahoutek. It notes that the comet would approach Earth and become visible to the naked eye from November 1973. By Christmas, it was predicted to be only 13 million kilometers from Earth, potentially shining brighter than the Moon. The comet was expected to disappear by the end of February 1974. The article cites the scientific journal "New Scientist" and notes that the comet's unusual brightness is due to its close proximity to Earth, not its size.

"Siden Sist..." and New Books

Page 4's "Siden Sist..." section mentions that an advertising campaign has attracted new subscribers, increasing the print run to over 600 copies. The delay in publishing this issue is attributed to increased work on content and design. The section also reiterates that FAKTA? is a non-profit, hobby-driven initiative and asks readers to consider this when evaluating the magazine. It also directs readers to page 17 for information related to a reader questionnaire.

Two new books are reviewed:

• "Psykisk forskning bag jerntæppet" (Psychic research behind the Iron Curtain): Published by Strubes Forlag, this 245-page book, the first in a series, is by two American authors. It is described as interesting, focusing on psychic research conducted by Soviet scientists, with particularly readable experiments. It is recommended for "beginners" in psychic research or those seeking evidence to convince skeptics. The second volume is deemed potentially unnecessary.
• "UFO og videnskapen" (UFO and science): Published by SUFOI as a debate book, this volume is described as a comprehensive discussion of the UFO phenomenon by six scientists. The book reportedly concludes that UFOs definitely exist, but their origin and nature remain subjects of personal opinion.

"Fokus på fortiden og UFO-saken, del 2"

This article, starting on page 5, explores the connection between ancient history, particularly the Bible, and advanced technology. The author argues that it's impossible to separate the Bible from the broader context of ancient research. The text suggests that the Bible describes highly developed technology present during its time. The author questions the traditional interpretation of the afterlife, proposing that "spirit" (ånd) refers to knowledge and science, and that "heaven" might be a different planet or a state achievable through advanced technology and space travel. The article references a discussion from "Våkn Opp" (Wake Up) magazine about Jesus's divine nature and suggests that Jesus might have been a leader of an interplanetary expedition.

Ancient Technology

Pages 7-10 are dedicated to exploring evidence of ancient technology. Several researchers and their theories are presented:

• Thor Heyerdahl: Argues for a connection between Egyptian pyramids and those in South America.
• Professor Henry Kjellson: Believed that hieroglyphs, cuneiform, and the Bible were mistranslated, noting similarities between ancient symbols and electrical engineering.
• Erich von Däniken: His books are mentioned for suggesting that Swiss engineers attempted to replicate the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, finding it could function as a loudspeaker.
• Robert Sharroux: Presents examples of ancient activities that indicate a high level of technological sophistication.
• Arthur Poznansky: His excavations near Lake Titicaca revealed skulls from approximately 2000 years ago that had undergone surgical procedures.
• Dr. Khalil Messiha: Discovered a bird-like model with tail fins in Sakkara, Egypt, which experts declared was designed like a real aircraft.
• The article also discusses the mysterious Nazca lines in Peru, suggesting they might be landing strips for ancient spacecraft. It references a Daily Telegraph article from December 26, 1972, about a satellite observing Earth for 13,000 years.

On page 8, Frede Melhedegård writes about the concept of "heaven" (himmelriket) and technological advancement, suggesting that understanding ancient "technical libraries" (like the pyramids) is key to humanity's survival through space travel. He refers to these as "God's gifts."

Page 9, authored by Ronald J. Willis, focuses on "OLDTIDENS TEKNOLOGI" (Ancient Technology). It highlights discoveries such as ancient Babylonian methods for silver plating, Egyptian electricity use, and Chinese aluminum production. The article discusses the possibility of lost civilizations with advanced technology existing tens of thousands of years ago, referencing Professor Hapgood's work on ancient sea kings and early civilizations in Turkey predating Sumerians.

Lenses and Compasses

Further on page 9, the article "LINSEN" (The Lens) discusses the history of optical lenses, noting examples found in Crete and Asia Minor dating back to 2000 BC, and a more impressive lens from Nineveh dated between 721 and 705 BC, capable of about four times magnification.

Page 10 continues this theme with examples of ancient precision work and the potential use of lenses. It also explores the history of the compass, noting magnetic ironstone found in ancient Iranian mines (circa 5000 BC) that might have been used for navigation. The article mentions that Vikings navigated using "sunstones" (selenites) to determine the sun's position even when it was obscured by clouds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of FAKTA? are the exploration of ancient mysteries, the possibility of advanced technology in past civilizations, and the connection to modern UFO phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry, presenting various theories and research findings, often from unconventional perspectives. There's a clear interest in reinterpreting historical and religious texts, such as the Bible, through a technological and scientific lens. The editorial approach seems to encourage readers to question established narratives and consider alternative explanations for historical events and unexplained occurrences. The magazine positions itself as a platform for discussing topics that challenge mainstream scientific and historical consensus.

This issue of FAKTA?, dated November 1970, delves into a variety of historical mysteries and unexplained phenomena, ranging from ancient technologies to potential extraterrestrial encounters.

Ancient Glass and Petroleum

The issue begins by discussing the ancient use of glass, highlighting a remarkable discovery near Haifa, Israel: a massive glass object weighing 8.8 tons, measuring 11 feet long, 7 feet wide, and 1.5 feet thick. This raspberry-colored glass with greenish streaks was found in a cave and dated to be between 1000 and 1400 years old. The article questions how ancient peoples could have achieved the immense heat required to melt such a large quantity of glass, noting that while limestone blocks for containers were found, the heat source remains unknown.

Following this, the magazine explores the ancient use of petroleum. It notes that while bitumen and asphalt were commonly used, there are indications that people, particularly in China, may have gone further, with evidence suggesting oil well drilling as early as 1700 BC. The purpose of this oil remains undocumented. In the Middle East, the largest oil reserve in the world, oil wells were dug as early as 450 BC, and an oil refinery, 2000 years old, is depicted.

Chinese Technology and Alchemy

The article then turns to Chinese technology, questioning the composition of metal parts found in the tomb of General Chou Chou, dating back 1600 years. Analysis revealed the metal to be 85% aluminum, 10% copper, and 5% manganese. This challenges the conventional understanding that aluminum production was only made possible in the 19th century with Hall's electric refining process. The text notes that the primary sources for aluminum extraction, cryolite and Greenlandic feldspar, were unlikely to be accessible to China at that time (400 AD). It speculates that the long tradition of Chinese alchemy might have been the key to producing aluminum, suggesting a possible link to Western alchemy.

Ancient Electricity

The magazine presents evidence for the use of electricity in ancient times. It discusses the puzzling lack of soot in ancient Egyptian tombs, despite the use of oil lamps, leading to speculation about the use of mirrors to direct sunlight or even electric light. Drawings in the Dendera temples are cited as resembling electrical insulators and lights.

A more concrete example is the discovery of what is believed to be a Babylonian battery. Excavations near Baghdad revealed several peculiar objects, including a copper cylinder, an iron rod, and asphalt sealants, found within clay pots. These objects, dating back to the Parthian period (circa 250 BC - 224 AD), are theorized to be primitive wet-element batteries. The copper cylinder was soldered with a lead-tin alloy and sealed with asphalt, with an iron rod suspended inside. The article suggests that these batteries might have been used for electroplating gold onto jewelry, a practice known to have been common in the Baghdad region during that era. The text notes that the exact electrolyte used is unknown, but suggests possibilities like copper sulfate, sulfuric acid, or citric acid. The existence of these batteries predates Volta's invention by centuries, suggesting an even older origin, possibly predating the Parthian period.

Ancient Seismographs and Other Technologies

The issue also touches upon ancient Chinese seismological knowledge, noting their tradition of recording earthquakes for over three thousand years. This data is now being used to predict earthquake periods. A primitive seismograph, a bronze pot with a suspended pendulum and eight dragon heads, is described and illustrated. This device could detect ground movement and indicate the direction of an earthquake's epicenter.

Reader Feedback and Future Content

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reader feedback from surveys. The results indicate that 56% of readers were satisfied with the content, 40% found it usable, and 4% were dissatisfied. Topics most frequently requested for future articles include visitors from space, ancient mysteries, reincarnation, strange disappearances, and events near these themes. Readers expressed skepticism towards UFO observations with poor source citations and showed more interest in religions than personal religious beliefs. The magazine states it will not cover general religious topics unless they intersect with UFO philosophy or ancient civilizations.

Regarding regular readership, only 10-15% of readers subscribe to major weekly magazines, and only 10% read other periodicals besides FAKTA?. The survey identified high interest (30-40 points) in UFO phenomena (technical and philosophical), reincarnation, ancient civilizations, and inventions. Topics like animal and human psychology received moderate interest (14-19 points), while others scored below 10 points.

Readers found the magazine generally easy to read, with about two-thirds finding it easy and one-third finding it usable. A desire for a list of books and other similar magazines was expressed. The magazine promises to mention books as they become known, noting that "Forntidens teknik" by Henry Kjellson has been requested.

'Fotomysterium' and UFO Contact

A section titled 'Fotomysterium' presents a photograph taken in Scotland of a young girl, which inexplicably shows a figure in the background that was not present. This has led to speculation about it being a 'rommannen' (man from space) and is presented as an unsolved mystery.

The magazine also includes a call to action for readers to report UFO sightings to the UFO-Bergens rapportsentral, providing contact details.

Older Issues of FAKTA?

Information is provided about older issues of FAKTA? that are still available for purchase, detailing the contents of various issues from 1972 and 1973, covering topics such as space threats, UFOs, spiritualism, Nikola Tesla, and humanoid sightings.

Stro-tanker (Thought Provocations)

The issue concludes with a section of philosophical quotes and aphorisms, including reflections on optimism versus pessimism, the nature of good and evil, and the concept of tolerance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around uncovering hidden or forgotten knowledge from ancient civilizations, exploring unexplained phenomena like UFOs and mysterious artifacts, and questioning conventional historical narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging reader participation and presenting evidence and speculation from various sources, while maintaining a critical approach to unsubstantiated claims, particularly regarding UFO sightings without proper documentation.

This issue of UFO magazine, identified by its issue number 21, focuses on UFO sightings and related unexplained phenomena, with a particular emphasis on events in Norway and the United States. The cover prominently features the headline "UFO SVARTE PÅ LYSSIGNALER" (UFOs BLACK ON LIGHT SIGNALS), suggesting a theme of UFOs responding to visual cues.

UFOs Responding to Light Signals in Malmøya

The lead story details sightings of a mysterious luminous object near Malmøya in Viksfjord, Norway. Reidar Føhlsberg, a 21-year-old from Larvik who worked as a night watchman at a children's home, reported observing the phenomenon for three consecutive nights. The object, described as a mysterious luminous entity, moved over the sky southeast of the location. When signaled with a strong flashlight, the object reportedly flashed back. The newspaper "Nybrott" reported on these events, interviewing several witnesses, including adult leaders and night watchmen from the children's home.

Further reports on July 9th included an account from a police officer in Larvik who, initially skeptical, investigated the sightings. He and a previous witness went to the observation site. While searching with a flashlight, they initially saw nothing. However, when they turned away for a moment, a mysterious luminous object appeared directly above the treetops. The officer described it as being the size of a full moon and stated that it "blackened" or responded to signals that were blinked at it.

Mysterious Substance in Dallas, Texas

The magazine also reports on a strange, mysterious substance that began to emerge from the ground in the yard of Fru Harris in Dallas, Texas. This substance, described as reddish with thick bubbles on top and black slime on the inside, appeared in late May. Over two weeks, it grew to be 16 times larger. After a rain shower one Friday, it vanished, but by Monday, three new masses had appeared. The substance is described as foamy, changing color when poked, and emitting a red and purple colored material when its bubbles burst. A woman in Dallas, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed being terrified by a similar mass found on her hedge. Edna Smith, from a suburb east of Dallas, also found a similar substance that had climbed a telephone pole.

Physicist Arnold Dittman has confirmed that the mass grows and that it might be related to bacteria that multiply enormously under the right conditions, potentially transforming into a new species or mutation.

The 1897 Aurora Airship Crash

In connection with the mysterious substance, the incident of a flying object crashing in 1897 has resurfaced. On April 19, 1897, an airship reportedly "exploded over a creek" on Judge J.S. Proctor's property in Aurora, Texas, about 120 km northwest of Dallas. A 91-year-old woman, Mary Evans, recalled the event, stating that many people were terrified and didn't know what to believe, as flying machines were rare at the time. She mentioned that the crash occurred when she was 15 years old.

The Wright brothers made their historic flight in December 1903. It was speculated that the airship that crashed in Aurora might have come from another world. Fru Evans does not doubt this possibility.

Investigating the Aurora Crash

When the witnesses returned home, they described how the airship had exploded, and the pilot was torn to pieces and killed. The men from the town who collected the pilot's "earthly" remains stated that he was a small man. They buried him the same day in Aurora cemetery. A piece of metal found in the area has been sent for examination to North Texas State University. Physicist Prof. Dr. Tom Gray noted that the metal was not magnetic, was shiny, soft, and not brittle like iron. He expressed his curiosity about the nature of this non-magnetic iron.

Plans were made to exhume the body to determine if the remains were human or extraterrestrial. They also hoped to find more metal fragments by excavating the UFO pilot's crash site. Due to the intense public interest in UFOs and science fiction, the Aurora cemetery has been placed under armed military guard.

"Armed Guards Watch Over Dead UFO Pilot"

This section details the ongoing investigation and public reaction to the Aurora crash. The presence of armed guards highlights the sensitivity and mystery surrounding the event.

Floating Pyramids and Continental Drift

Geophysicist Niels Abrahamsen from Aarhus University proposes a theory explaining why the sides of Egyptian pyramids are not precisely aligned north-south and east-west. He suggests that they were once aligned but are no longer due to the movement of the African continent. The Giza pyramid's north-south sides now point about four arcminutes west of north, which Abrahamsen takes as evidence that Africa has rotated since the pyramids were built 2,500 years BC.

This theory is also supported by Dr. G.S. Pawley of Edinburgh University. They believe the pyramids were not oriented by chance. The precision of their alignment can be measured at the corners of the pyramids, which are at most one and a half arcminutes off the true angles. It is a known fact that continents float on a molten Earth's crust. For Africa, calculations suggest that the continental drift over the last 4,500 years should not have caused the pyramids to deviate more than half an arcminute from true north. The observed eight-arcminute deviation suggests that continental displacement occurs in larger, millennial shifts rather than a smooth glide.

Researchers studying continental drift are likely to examine similar structures worldwide. Europe has several Stone Age monuments whose displacement relative to astronomical plans can now be measured. (Sources: The Danish newspaper Politiken, March 8, 1973, and Dansk UFO Tidsskrift, Issue 2/73).

What Happened in Namdalen?

This section reports on a UFO sighting in Namdalen, Norway. The article quotes from the "Namdal Arbeiderblad" about an observation made by Captain Erling Bakke in Namsenfjorden at 23:15 on Wednesday, July 4th. Captain Bakke and his wife witnessed a strange craft moving at least 100 km/h over the water. They initially thought it was a boat, but then the object ascended vertically at a 45-degree angle and disappeared in an instant. They realized they had witnessed a UFO up close, describing it as a "fantastic experience."

The object was described as approximately 25 feet long, 6 feet high, and entirely black, with a raised section on top. It was described as entirely black and thus easy to see.

The same newspaper also reported on a young woman from Bangsund who, one early morning, saw a blue, oblong object flying slowly over the mountains towards Flakk. In the same area, two other objects were seen the previous autumn. This observation site is only about one kilometer by air from Kjølsøya, where strange imprints were found the previous year. The area is also not far from where Captain Bakke saw the UFO.

Disappearing Stone Block

Several years ago, a man from Otterøya witnessed an object explode and fall into Sundsråsa. He immediately pointed out that a large stone block had been "cut out" of a mountaintop in Sund. Strangely, there are no traces of this "disappeared" stone block.

NA Reports on Kjølsøya and Leirvika

The publication "NA" reported that in the previous summer, tracks were discovered on Kjølsøya and in the tidal area of Leirvika. Radioactivity was detected in these tracks. The article connects this to the recent sightings by Erling Bakke and his wife of an inexplicable phenomenon in the same waters, posing the question: "What is happening in Sør-Namsen and Lyngenfjorden?"

Mini-UFO

A small UFO, only 80 x 40 cm, was observed at a distance of just 15 meters. A couple first saw the bright UFO after parking their car and were going inside. The object was hovering 1.5 meters above the ground between two small pine trees and did not move for several minutes. The observers, who were frightened, did not run to their neighbors until the UFO had risen to 6 meters high. They, along with their neighbors, watched the UFO for 15 minutes as it disappeared towards the southwest. This incident occurred in Fyllingsdalen, outside Bergen, on April 19th of this year at 22:10.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO magazine consistently explores the unexplained, presenting witness accounts of aerial phenomena, mysterious substances, and historical anomalies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities of extraterrestrial or unknown phenomena. The inclusion of scientific and geographical theories, such as continental drift in relation to ancient structures, broadens the scope beyond simple UFO sightings. The magazine also highlights the public's fascination and the authorities' responses, such as armed guards at a historical crash site, underscoring the enduring mystery and interest in these subjects.