Galax - 1964 12 Vol 4 No 12

Magazine Overview

Title: Galax
Issue: Nr. 12
Volume: Årgång 4
Date: December 1964
Publisher: Malmö Interplanetariska Sällskap
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Galax, the fourth volume's twelfth number, dated December 1964, announces significant changes for the upcoming year. The magazine, published by the Malmö Interplanetariska Sällskap, is set to undergo a redesign and transition to a bi-monthly publication schedule starting in 1965, with a reduced annual subscription price. The issue contains a mix of personal reflections, reported sightings, and information about the society's activities.

Editorial and Announcements

The editorial, titled "INFÖR EN ÖVERGÅNG..." (Towards a Transition...), addresses the readers, acknowledging the late publication of this issue due to extra planning work. It announces that this is the last issue in Galax's current format. From 1965 onwards, the magazine will adopt a new 'design,' be published in printed form, and appear six times a year (every other month) instead of monthly. The page count will remain around 28 pages, ensuring a similar amount of content despite the reduced frequency. Notably, the subscription price is being significantly lowered from 15 SEK to 10 SEK per year, and the automatic membership system will be discontinued. The motto for 1965 will be "GALAX - tidskrift för fri forskning i en ny tidsålder" (GALAX - journal for free research in a new era). The editors express gratitude for the readers' interest in 1964 and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Contents Overview

The table of contents lists the following articles:

• Från red. (From the editors)
• Vi är alla bröder (We are all brothers) - by Ivar T Martinsen
• Tefatsmystik i Mjödvattnet (UFO Mysticism in Mjödvattnet)
• Ljusfenomen i Västerås (Light Phenomena in Västerås)
• Föremål över skog förbryllar (Object over forest puzzles)
• Himlafenomen i Jokkmokk (Sky Phenomena in Jokkmokk)
• Livliga spökerier på kaliforniskt kontor (Lively hauntings in a Californian office)
• Vis Vitae, stenen som botar (Vis Vitae, the stone that heals)
• Bevakning från yttre rymden (Surveillance from outer space)
• Tassili-Petroglyferna (Tassili Petroglyphs)

Malmö Interplanetariska Sällskap Activities

The magazine serves as an organ for the Malmö Interplanetariska Sällskap, which aims to spread information on topics such as astronomy, humanity's relationship with the universe, UFOs, parapsychology, and ancient cultures on an ideological basis. The society holds meetings with lectures and films on the first Friday of each month (except July-August and December) at Ungdomens Hus, Skolgatan 10, Malmö C. Membership is open to all interested individuals, with an annual fee of 15 SEK, which includes a year's subscription to Galax.

Article: Vi är alla bröder (We are all brothers)

This lengthy personal narrative by Ivar T Martinsen recounts an experience from 1953 while passing through the Panama Canal on a Norwegian ship. The author describes the sensory details of the environment and the stark contrast between American and Latin American living standards. A significant part of the narrative focuses on the racial segregation and prejudice he encountered. He details an incident where he was ordered to remove a Black crew member from a restricted area. This leads to a confrontation with the ship's chief, "Küng Faruk," who expresses extreme racist views. The author, initially feeling contempt for the chief, undergoes a profound personal transformation. He reflects on his own race's perceived decadence and the hypocrisy of prejudice. Later that evening, he seeks out the Black crew member to apologize, confessing his shame and acknowledging a shared humanity. The encounter culminates in a moment of mutual respect, with the chief acknowledging the author's genuine remorse. The article concludes with a reflection on universal brotherhood and the need for tolerance across races, quoting Kipling.

Article: Tefatsmystik i Mjödvattnet (UFO Mysticism in Mjödvattnet)

This article reports on an alleged UFO sighting by Helge Nyström from Mjödvattnet, Burträsk, Sweden. Nyström claims to have seen a "flying cigar" with wings and a small, ball-shaped figure on a field about 50 meters away. He describes the figure as being about half a meter tall and resembling a football player in its attire. The event occurred while he was clearing a ditch near his farm. When the figure noticed him, it ran towards the "cigar." A loud bang, like a shot, was heard, and both the object and the figure vanished. Nyström searched the area but found no traces. He is convinced it was not a hallucination, as the sighting occurred in broad daylight and he could clearly see the details. The article notes that this incident happened 10-12 years prior to the report. Nyström is seeking contact with others who may have had similar experiences and wishes to find a rational explanation for the phenomenon, emphasizing that he is not seeking sensationalism but a factual understanding.

Other Articles Mentioned

Briefly mentioned in the table of contents are articles on light phenomena in Västerås, a puzzling object over a forest, sky phenomena in Jokkmokk, hauntings in a Californian office, and the healing properties of a stone called "Vis Vitae," as well as "Surveillance from outer space" and "Tassili Petroglyphs."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes related to the unexplained, extraterrestrial phenomena, and broader philosophical questions about humanity's place in the universe. The editorial stance, as indicated by the new motto "journal for free research in a new era," suggests an openness to unconventional ideas and a commitment to exploring subjects beyond mainstream scientific acceptance. The personal narrative about race and brotherhood, alongside UFO reports, indicates a broad interest in human experience and societal issues, viewed through a lens that questions established norms and prejudices. The emphasis on "free research" implies a dedication to open-minded inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional understanding.

This issue of Folkbladet, dated November 4, 1954, focuses on unusual phenomena, including a mysterious light sighting in Västerås, a poltergeist incident in California, and the purported healing properties of a South African stone.

Strange Light Phenomenon Observed in Västerås

The main article details a peculiar light phenomenon witnessed in Västerås on a Tuesday evening around 6:30 PM. Two adults, Nils Thorestig and children, observed a light, described as being about the size of a lamp-globe, descend towards the high-rise buildings in the Pettersbergs area. It stopped abruptly and then ascended straight up, moving towards Johannisberg. Photographer Hasse Lundh was called to the scene and confirmed seeing the light-globe, though he heard no sound. Thorestig estimated the object's altitude to be around 100 meters. The phenomenon lasted for 7-8 minutes. The article notes that an Air Force plane (Fl) was in the area around 6:20 PM, landing at Johannisberg, raising the question of whether the observed phenomenon was a light or the plane's lantern. Lundh expressed certainty that it was not a plane, questioning how such a light could ascend vertically and the lack of sound.

Mysterious Object Over Forest in Käymäjärvi

Another report describes a mysterious object sighted over a forest near Käymäjärvi on a Wednesday afternoon. Brothers Fritiof and Valfrid Skarpsvärd saw the object at an altitude of approximately 100 meters. Police officer Gunnar Niska also investigated the area. The object was described as having a three-meter cross-section. Two hours after the sighting, Valfrid Skarpsvärd observed a powerful light in the direction where the object had disappeared. Alfred Björnström, who also saw the object, stated it was not perfectly round and moved with slight wave-like motions.

Heavenly Phenomenon in Jokkmokk

A rare and beautiful light phenomenon was observed early on a Friday morning over Jokkmokk by Helge Hansson. The light was about ten meters wide, copper-clear in color with a black cross-section, and later transformed into a round, golden-yellow sphere. The event lasted for a few minutes.

Poltergeist Activity in Oakland, California

An article by Erling Norlev recounts a remarkable poltergeist incident that occurred in an office building in Oakland, California. The phenomenon involved objects being thrown, broken, and moved inexplicably throughout the offices on the second and third floors, where doctors and lawyers worked. The incident was witnessed by numerous people, including office staff, police, journalists, and photographers. A Stanford University professor specializing in parapsychology also investigated. The poltergeist activity involved objects flying through the air, smashing against walls, and falling at odd angles. Eyewitness accounts describe coffee jars spilling, light bulbs unscrewing themselves, and doors falling off their hinges. The phenomenon lasted for approximately fourteen days, causing significant disruption and damage. Initially, the police were baffled, and investigations involving radioactivity experts and seismographs yielded no results. Dr. Arthur Hästings from Stanford University declared it an authentic poltergeist phenomenon, occurring about three to four times a year in the USA. However, unlike typical poltergeist cases, no teenager was identified as the source. Eventually, a 20-year-old employee, John Orfanides, confessed to being the poltergeist, though he later retracted his statement, claiming it was easier to confess. Dr. Hästings suggested that while Orfanides might have contributed, he couldn't have been responsible for all the events, which seemed physically impossible.

"Vis Vitae" - The Healing Stone

An article by Colonel A. E. Powell discusses the ancient belief in the healing properties of precious stones. It highlights the discovery of a reddish stone in Zululand, South Africa, in 1947, which was found to have remarkable healing capabilities. This stone, later known as "Vis Vitae" (meaning "Life's Force"), was found by Mr. Frank Hill. When holding a piece of the stone, he felt a tingling sensation, like a mild electric current. Experiments showed the stone could relieve pain, cure insomnia, and improve overall health. It was found to emit a radionic number of 75726.5, close to that of healthy human tissue. The stone gained international attention, with reports of its effectiveness coming from England, USA, Australia, and other countries. Mr. Bruce Copen, a Registered Radiesthetist, described how the stone, when placed under a light, caused the flame to hover. Reports from individuals who used the stone described relief from various ailments, including headaches, pain, and fatigue. The article also mentions that the stone's emanations can penetrate lead but not silk, and its composition is believed to be an oxide. The author notes that he is merely relaying the claims of others and that any donations received will go towards his fund.

Other Mentions

The issue also includes a brief obituary for Frank Scully, author of "Behind the Flying Saucers," who died on June 24th. There is also a mention of a book by D.N.E. Kain titled "Myllan som botar sjuka" (The Soil that Heals Sick People) concerning the stone.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, including UFO sightings, poltergeist activity, and alternative healing methods. The editorial stance appears to be open to reporting on these subjects, presenting eyewitness accounts and expert opinions, even when they fall outside mainstream scientific paradigms. There is a clear interest in the unexplained and the potential for phenomena to exist beyond current scientific comprehension, as suggested by the closing remarks on the Västerås sighting and the discussion of "Vis Vitae."

This issue of Ur BSRA-Journal, dated September 1964, delves into the evolving understanding of the universe, the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and ancient interpretations of celestial visitors. The content is primarily in Swedish, with some references to English-language sources.

Surveillance from Outer Space (Bevakning från Yttre Rymden)

The lead article, "BEVAKNING FRÅN YTTRE RYMDEN" (Surveillance from Outer Space), discusses the crumbling barriers of orthodox science regarding outer space. It notes a shift in astronomical opinion from viewing our solar system as a unique accidental formation to the current consensus that billions of planets in the universe likely harbor intelligent life. This shift is attributed to advancements in spectroscopy proving organic matter on stars and the study of nearby solar systems revealing gravitational influences from planetary families.

The article traces the history of UFO sightings, beginning with "Foo Fighters" observed during World War II, which were so fast they couldn't be identified as belonging to either side. Post-war, systematic investigations were launched by major nations, involving top scientific minds, though often under strict censorship. These objects, initially called "Foo Fighters," focused on observing military assets. Over 100,000 reports are estimated by Lord Downing. After the war, these mysterious machines were seen over various locations, including aircraft, trains, cars, boats, sports fields, military bases, and industrial sites. More recently, they have been observed near artificial satellites and manned spacecraft.

The text highlights specific incidents, such as photographs taken from an X-15 experimental aircraft and astronaut Cooper's encounter with a flying saucer over Western Australia. The author suggests that the focus of these unknown observers' interest seems to be on Earth's space exploration efforts, raising questions about their origins, intentions (curiosity or concern), and potential stance.

The Challenge of UFOs and Censorship

The issue of UFOs is presented as a sensitive topic for world leaders, with concerns about the impact on global civilization if interplanetary spacecraft were officially acknowledged. NASA reportedly funded studies on public reaction to first contact scenarios. The greatest challenge in studying UFOs is obtaining knowledge while adhering to strict censorship policies. Despite censorship, the appearance of these objects cannot be controlled, leading to an increase in observations. The article predicts that the pressure of secrecy will eventually lead to a mass observation, a landing, or official acknowledgment.

Celestial Observations and Theories

The magazine then shifts to specific astronomical observations and theories. The Moon, once considered a dead celestial body, is now under intense observation, with hints of UFO bases. Theories about intelligent life on Mars are gaining more acceptance, supported by new instruments for studying celestial bodies.

An account is given of Russian astronomer Nikolai Kozyrev's 1961 report of an "eruption" on the Moon, which was initially met with ridicule but is now being re-examined as more telescopes are directed at the Moon.

In October 1963, mysterious red spots were observed near Aristarchos on the Moon, leading to an intensive study. These spots were observed again in late November. The article questions whether these were natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions or artificial in origin.

Further lunar observations include a peculiar yellow-orange glow seen in September 1953 by Rudolph M. Lippert, and a similar strange glow observed by Dr. H. P. Wilkins in 1950 near Aristarchus-Herodotus, described as oval and intensely bright, possibly emitted by a hovering machine. An American astronomer, James C. Bartlett, later observed a similar light. Small white spheres have also been seen on the Moon, appearing and disappearing, leading to speculation about whether they are domes for lunar exploration.

The article also touches upon the peculiar behavior of Mars' two small moons, Phobos and Deimos, leading to speculation that they might be space stations launched before Schiaparelli's discovery of geometric lines on Mars in 1877.

Regarding Mars, a Japanese Mars expert, Dr. Tsuneo Saheki, reported a strange glow in 1937. Later, Dr. Slipher observed changes in the Solis Lacus region, including a dark area the size of Australia, suggesting expansion. In 1949, Saheki observed a sharp light on Mars, lasting several minutes, described as incredibly strong, possibly indicating a nuclear explosion.

Tassili Petroglyphs: Ancient Visitors?

The issue then explores the "Tassili Petroglyphs" in the Sahara Desert. Lieutenant Brenans discovered these ancient rock carvings in 1933, depicting wildlife like elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. Professor Henri Lohte led research expeditions to the area, which were interrupted by World War II. The research resumed in 1954, with an expedition planned under Brenans, who tragically passed away before its commencement. The expedition finally took place in 1956.

The context for this research is linked to Pierre Benoit's 1920 novel "Atlantide," which sparked interest in finding remnants of the lost city of Queen Antinea in North Africa. Count Byron de Prorok led expeditions, bringing back a mummy believed to be of a queen's descendant. The Hoggar region was a favored area for these investigations.

The route from the oasis of Rhat crosses the Tassili chain towards Djanet. This area was part of ancient trade routes. The petroglyphs are found on vertical rock faces, depicting two-wheeled chariots and other objects. Key sites include Jabbaren and Sefars, where rock formations resemble a ruined city. The most interesting paintings are described as "The Great Mars God of Jabkaren," featuring figures with round heads resembling diving helmets, and "Martians" with what appear to be wireless receivers on their helmets. The article includes drawings of these figures.

Interpretations of these petroglyphs vary. Professor Lohte considers them the work of a decadent art form. A. Kazantzev, a Russian author, believes they depict astronauts from alien spacecraft. G. Hinzpeter suggests they represent mutants from the Garden of Eden. The dating of these petroglyphs is challenging due to overlapping images, but Lohte estimates them to be around 8,000 BC. Some theories link their dating to the Maya calendar or astronomical observations in Central America.

Kazantzev's theory is that the drawings bear a striking resemblance to modern astronaut depictions. The article notes the lack of legends in North Africa that might explain these findings, leaving the question open.

Interpretations of the 'Mars God' Figure

The article presents further interpretations of the "Great Mars God" figure. One suggestion is that it represents a priest's ritualistic garment, implying that the artist's imagination was based on something experienced. The detailed depiction of the helmet, including its fastening, potential eye sockets, and thickness, is analyzed. The horizontal and vertical folds of the garment are also noted.

Y. G. Reshtov suggests the headgear consists of pumps, similar to those used in African ceremonies, and the "parabolic antenna" could be explained similarly. Alternatively, the shapes might resemble gourds or pumpkins.

Another alternative theory proposes that these are protective suits worn by visitors from the Garden of Eden to shield them from magnetic and gravitational fields, or radiation. This theory would place the timeframe around 10,000 BC or even 18,000 BC.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the possibility of extraterrestrial life, the scientific community's evolving understanding of the universe, and the interpretation of ancient artifacts and sightings as evidence of past alien contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, acknowledging both scientific advancements and the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and ancient mysteries. There is a clear emphasis on the challenges posed by censorship and the public's right to information regarding these potentially world-altering subjects. The article encourages further investigation and presents various theories without definitively endorsing one over another, highlighting the ongoing debate and research in the field.