Galax - 1963 11 Vol 3 No 11

Magazine Overview

Title: Galax
Issue: Nr 11
Volume: 3
Date: November 1963

This issue of the Swedish magazine Galax, published in November 1963, covers a diverse range of topics, blending scientific inquiry with speculative and historical accounts. The cover features a striking image of a spiral galaxy, setting a cosmic theme.

Articles and Content

"Flintrännan norra", en av Oresunds fyrar

The editorial notes an incident where a lighthouse, "Flintrännan norra," located near the new motorway towards Gothenburg and close to Flädie, has been mistaken for a flying saucer. While acknowledging that the lighthouse has previously misled observers, especially in foggy conditions, the magazine intends to contact recent witnesses to further investigate the phenomenon, suggesting there might be more to the reports than just the lighthouse's beam.

Från Forskningens Fält (From the Field of Research)

#### Atomkärnans Struktur Förbryllar Forskarna (The Structure of the Atomic Nucleus Puzzles Researchers)

This section, referencing an article from SDS on September 16, 1963, delves into the complexities of the atomic nucleus. Professor Geoffrey Chew from the University of California is quoted stating that the immense power within the atomic nucleus can be used for beneficial purposes or to destroy the world. Chew suggests that Einstein's theory of relativity, which posits time and space as a single entity, may need to be revised concerning nuclear structure. Experiments using an "atom smasher" at Brookhaven Laboratory, accelerating particles to 33 billion electron volts, reveal a world of subatomic particles that defy simple description. Chew emphasizes the paradoxical nature of these particles, stating there is no clear "inside" or "outside," and they cannot be directly observed but only theoretically predicted. The article contrasts the earlier, simpler model of the atom (a nucleus with protons and electrons) with the current understanding of a complex interplay of numerous particles, raising questions about whether humans will ever fully comprehend this subatomic realm. It also touches upon the immense power contained within atoms, hinting at the dangers of its complete release.

#### Nytt Ljus Över Asteroidernas Uppkomst (New Light on the Origin of Asteroids)

This article reports on findings presented at a world conference on geodesy and geophysics in Berkeley, California. Dr. M.B. Duke from the California Institute of Technology studied meteorites originating from the asteroid belt. These meteorites, composed of basaltic achondrite, show crystalline patterns that suggest they formed on a much larger celestial body than current asteroids, possibly as large as a planet. The patterns indicate that this body exploded about ten million years ago and then reformed before disintegrating. These meteorites have also helped scientists estimate Earth's age at approximately 4.5 billion years, though other theories suggest it could be up to 13 billion years old.

#### Jordbävningar Förutses (Earthquakes Are Predicted)

Dr. F.D. Stacey from Cambridge University proposes that earthquakes can be predicted. He explains that large landslips within the Earth are preceded by changes in the local magnetic field, which can be measured by sensitive "compasses." Within the next ten years, Stacey anticipates that areas prone to earthquakes will be covered by such instruments, providing 5-10 days' notice, which would be sufficient for evacuations.

#### Jorden "Mumlar För Sig Själv" (The Earth "Mumbles to Itself")

A Mr. Douze from Geotechnical Corporation in Texas has discovered that the Earth emits low-frequency sounds, or "mumbles," which are louder on the seabed than underground.

#### Månen Och Planeterna Inverkar På Väderleken? (Do the Moon and Planets Influence the Weather?)

Meteorologist E.K. Bigg suggests a connection between severe weather, heavy rainfall, and the phases of the moon, as well as the positions of Mercury and Venus relative to the sun and the Milky Way. His theory posits that "stardust" from space falls into the atmosphere, forming clouds and accumulating water vapor, which then precipitates as rain during specific lunar phases. The influence of Venus and Mercury when they are between Earth and the sun, and even influences from the Milky Way, are also mentioned as potential factors, though their exact roles are not yet clear.

Gullivers Två Marsmånar (Gulliver's Two Mars Moons)

This article draws a fascinating parallel between scientific discovery and literary prediction. It notes that while modern astronomers have advanced equipment, many recent discoveries were anticipated centuries ago by individuals with little scientific background. Jonathan Swift, known for "Gulliver's Travels" (published in 1726), described on the fictional island of Laputa astronomers who had discovered two moons orbiting Mars. These moons, they claimed, orbited Mars faster than expected. At the time, this was considered pure fantasy. However, in 1877, astronomer Asaph Hall discovered two small moons orbiting Mars, whose orbital characteristics remarkably matched Swift's fictional account, including one moon orbiting more than twice as fast as the other. The article questions how Swift could have known this information.

Förestående Brytning Adamski-Honey (Impending Breakup Adamski-Honey)

This piece reports on the apparent dissolution of the collaboration between George Adamski and C.A. Honey. Honey, who had been entrusted with managing "Cosmic Newsletters" during Adamski's speaking tours, reportedly started his own study circle upon Adamski's return from Europe, using Adamski's copyrighted telepathic book for his course. Adamski is developing his own course, "Science of Life." Adamski also mentions a warning from "Orthon" about hostile alien visitors and that most Martians share human weaknesses.

Nostradamus: En Stor Siares Liv och Gärning (Nostradamus: The Life and Work of a Great Seer)

Written by Yngve Freij, this biographical article details the life of Michel Nostradamus, the 16th-century French physician and seer. Born in 1503 in Saint-Remy, Nostradamus displayed exceptional intellect and memory from a young age. After studying at the University of Avignon, he pursued medicine. At 21, he gained renown for his effective treatments during a devastating plague in Southern France, using herbal remedies. He traveled extensively, engaging with influential people and developing his interest in political intrigue. Despite initial resistance from his father, he became a physician. He married and had two sons, but they tragically died from a mysterious illness. The article highlights his famous work, "Centuries," a collection of prophecies that continues to be studied centuries later.

Mellan Himmel och Jord (Between Heaven and Earth)

This section appears to be a brief, possibly editorial, piece, as it includes a quote from Prentice Mulford: "When we think we build with invisible substances something that draws to itself forces – to help us or to harm us, depending on the nature of the thoughts we send out."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, the unexplained, and historical curiosities. There's a clear interest in challenging established scientific paradigms (atomic structure) and in phenomena that blur the lines between scientific fact and speculative or even prophetic accounts (Mars' moons, Nostradamus). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and findings without necessarily endorsing them, but encouraging readers to consider unconventional possibilities. The inclusion of UFO reports, even if framed as potential misidentifications, indicates a focus on anomalous aerial phenomena.

This issue of "HIMMEL OCH JORD" (Heaven and Earth), published by SUFOI in 1964, focuses on paranormal and historical phenomena, with a significant portion dedicated to the life and prophecies of Michel Nostradamus and a critical examination of George Adamski's UFO claims.

The Life and Prophecies of Nostradamus

The article details Nostradamus's early life, his travels, and the development of his prophetic abilities. It recounts his time in Italy and his eventual settlement in Salon, Provence, where he resumed his medical practice and married for a second time. A key event highlighted is his crucial role during the plague in Aix in 1544, where he developed a protective 'tablet' from herbs that saved many lives. Despite his success, he faced professional jealousy and accusations of using forbidden knowledge from secret societies.

Nostradamus's intellectual prowess is emphasized, noting his understanding of the connection between astrology and astronomy, which was common in the 16th century. The article suggests he used astrological studies as a cover for his prophetic visions. His work, "Centuries," often referenced historical events through astronomical alignments. The text mentions protests from astrologers who felt his prophecies exceeded their understanding, likening them to witchcraft.

The article speculates on Nostradamus's methods, describing nocturnal ceremonies and visions possibly induced by a scrying bowl filled with water. It highlights a prophecy shown to his friend Ayme de Chavigny, which accurately predicted the Second World War, occurring approximately 400 years in the future.

In 1555, Nostradamus published his first volume of prophecies, "Centuries," containing 454 verses, which became an immediate success. A specific prophecy about a "hair-tail star" (comet) and three princes disagreeing, leading to "earth-shattering upheavals," is cited as being fulfilled with uncanny accuracy, including events like the Tiber flooding and the appearance of a strange serpent on the shore.

Nostradamus also received a royal invitation to Paris, where he was honored. The article concludes his life by noting an inscription in one of his books, dated June 1566, stating "Death is near," on the day he arranged for his will.

The Adamski Debate: A Critical Review

This section, authored by Poul Kastrup, critically examines the UFO theories of George Adamski, particularly in light of a SUFOI congress book. Kastrup acknowledges Adamski's charismatic personality but questions the origin of his philosophy, specifically the claim that it stems from "space people." He notes the diversity of accounts regarding UFOs and "space beings" and suggests that Adamski's narrative might be influenced by his own preconceived notions.

Kastrup highlights a divergence between Adamski and George Hunt Williamson, another UFO proponent, suggesting Adamski might consider Williamson too "occult." He also disputes Adamski's assertion that the "Great White Brotherhood" was invented by Williamson, stating that the concept predates Williamson's birth and has roots in both North and South America.

Adamski's reincarnation theory is described as "home-spun" and "absurd," as it posits immediate reincarnation without any intermediate state, effectively dismissing the concept of spirits. Kastrup criticizes Adamski for ignoring extensive evidence from parapsychological research.

The article suggests that Adamski's experiences might be more psychological than physical, citing Desmond Leslie's attempt to invite Adamski on a UFO trip that never materialized. Kastrup concludes that while Adamski's contributions are significant, he ventures into areas beyond his expertise, making "some blunders."

Other Reports and Phenomena

"Lögnstatistik" (Lie Statistics)

An article discusses Indian police statistics showing the lowest crime rate globally. However, it suggests this is due to police not reporting most crimes to higher authorities, as they are judged by the number of reported offenses in their districts.

"2.500-årig guldskatt" (2,500-Year-Old Gold Treasure)

Soviet archaeologists discovered a rich, undisturbed Sarmatian tomb near Soljonoje Zajmisjtje in the Lower Volga region. The tomb contained a massive iron sword, a quiver with bronze-tipped arrows, a large bronze mirror, and a wooden vessel with gold edges. A hidden compartment yielded a significant gold find, including women's jewelry, necklaces, and large earrings, with over 30 boxes of artifacts to be cataloged in Leningrad.

"Misstänkt regn" (Suspicious Rain)

Residents of Ihialla, Nigeria, complain to the town council about their "rainmaker," claiming that heavy rain consistently occurs whenever a government representative visits. They suspect someone is trying to hinder development and request the registration of these "rainmakers."

"Fatal hypnos" (Fatal Hypnosis)

A report from Tennessee describes a 13-year-old girl who remained in a trance for three days after a school hypnosis session. While other students were easily awakened, she became hysterical and required hospitalization, with doctors estimating her recovery could take weeks.

Flying Saucer Meeting in Bologna

Individuals claiming to have witnessed flying saucers met in Bologna, Italy, for a discussion. However, they failed to agree on any points, and the meeting escalated into a brawl, with the cafe owner eventually ejecting them.

Donald Menzel's Book

Astrophysicist Donald Menzel has published a new book, "The World of Flying Saucers," reiterating his skeptical stance on UFOs, consistent with his 1952 publication.

Argentine UFO Incident

Flying saucers sighted over Paranas, Argentina, in January of the current year reportedly caused a rain of glass-like particles. Analysis of these particles revealed they contained calcium, magnesium, and other minerals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific or historical understanding, including prophecy, UFO sightings, and unusual events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, though it is willing to present critical perspectives, as seen in the review of Adamski's work. There is a clear interest in historical accounts, ancient discoveries, and unexplained occurrences, suggesting a broad definition of "paranormal" that encompasses historical mysteries and contemporary fringe topics.

This is the third installment of a series titled "Have We Rediscovered Flight Technology in Prehistoric Cultures?" by Marcel F. Homet. Published in the issue dated August 1962, this section focuses on the enigmatic Nazca geoglyphs in Peru and their potential connection to advanced ancient knowledge.

The Nazca Geoglyphs: A Monumental Astronomical Calendar

The author introduces the Nazca geoglyphs as a "monumental" discovery in archaeology, primarily studied by German scientists, including Dr. Maria Reich, Dr. Kosoch, and Mrs. Anaska Kosoch. These geoglyphs, located in Nazca, South America, form a vast "animal circuit calendar" approximately 20 kilometers in diameter. The longest lines are oriented directly towards the setting sun. The article notes that the ingraving of these figures in the ground is unexpected, especially since Carbon-14 dating suggests they were created around 1000 BC.

Dr. Maria Reich's work, shared with the author in Lima in August 1962, is summarized. She describes the Nazca site as potentially the largest astronomical calendar ever created, likely depicting constellations. Dr. Kosoch and his wife add that viewing the entire plan from ground level is impossible, requiring an altitude of about 800 meters. They recount the effort involved in mapping a single 100-meter-long drawing, which took three days using instruments like a theodolite, measuring tape, compass, and sextant.

The Challenge of Ancient Construction

The article poses the question of how these figures were created and observed without modern technology. It mentions that the German scientists, with the help of a helicopter from the Peruvian Air Force, were able to photograph a bird in flight, with a wingspan of about 150 meters. This aerial perspective helps explain how such large figures could be documented. However, the author reiterates the difficulty in comprehending how the Nazca population, lacking airplanes, sextants, or theodolites, could have executed this work 1,000 years BC.

Other Ancient Sites and Instruments

Homet briefly mentions a peculiar memorial pillar he observed in Sechim Bajo, Peru. Within the foundation of a large structure, similar to Hittite buildings, are pillars with drawings of human figures that resemble those from ancient Cappadocia. He suggests this pillar was a sophisticated astronomical measurement instrument.

Further exploration leads him to the fortress of Sacsa-huaman, at an altitude of 4,000 meters above Cuzco, Peru. Here, he found a solar and animal calendar with twelve sections. His colleague, Dr. Manuel Chavez Ballon, a professor at the University of Cuzco, discovered that the initial parts of the Inca capital were designed in the form of a winged lion, symbolizing the sun god.

Samaipata: A Geodetic Instrument?

In Samaipata, Bolivia, at an altitude of 2,000 meters, Homet investigated another geodetic instrument. This site features two enormous, precisely aligned ramps, approximately 30 meters long, with a significant incline towards the horizon, accompanied by lion sculptures. The author notes that from the air, these ramps might appear as launchpads for stratospheric rockets, questioning the possibility of such technology in that era.

Ancient Texts and Cosmic Events

The article then shifts to ancient texts, drawing excerpts from "On the Hunt for the Sun Gods" and "The Navel of the World." It recounts a Germanic-Scandinavian legend found in Sweden, concerning Muspelheim, the land of giants led by Surt. The legend describes a cataclysmic battle where "stars of heaven and hell" clashed, causing widespread destruction, including the moon falling to Earth and the world being engulfed in flames. This event is interpreted as a natural catastrophe that the combatants tried to escape.

The author suggests that the text implies giants, originating from the cosmos, were involved in this event. He links the description of "stars of heaven and hell" to a battle between the celestial and terrestrial realms. The falling moon is seen as a metaphor, possibly representing a projectile that caused widespread destruction through a flame from the sky.

The Enigma of Ancient Knowledge and Catastrophes

Homet draws a parallel between these ancient legends and modern atomic research, citing scientists who warned that a certain number of atomic bombs could destabilize the Earth's axis, leading to a chain reaction and potential annihilation. He questions how ancient legends could describe a flame from the sky triggering a chain reaction that nearly wiped out humanity, a concept seemingly impossible to grasp before the advent of nuclear physics.

He asserts that evidence suggests a highly advanced civilization existed in the past, which was destroyed by a cosmic natural catastrophe. The few survivors, described as giants found in various locations, were in decline, marking the beginning of "our" prehistory.

The article concludes by posing further enigmas, such as how Canadian Indians and Japanese people could have invented round flying machines and landed on the sea. It also references Hesekiel's vision of a dirigible with concentric rings and a dome, questioning the origin of such advanced concepts in ancient times.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this installment are the potential for advanced flight technology in ancient cultures, the interpretation of megalithic structures and geoglyphs as sophisticated astronomical instruments, and the connection between ancient myths and cosmic events or catastrophes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, suggesting that ancient civilizations possessed knowledge and capabilities far beyond what is commonly accepted, and that these capabilities might be linked to extraterrestrial influences or advanced scientific understanding lost to time.