IUSI - No 06 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of INTERN UFO-Sverigeinformation (Internal UFO-Sweden Information) from September 5, 1978, is designated as issue number 6 and is intended for internal circulation within the UFO-Sweden organization. It is marked as confidential and not to be shared with third parties.

Editorial and Organizational Matters

The editorial section addresses several internal issues. The central group in Köping is overwhelmed with work, leading to the implementation of an automatic answering machine to redirect calls. The editor expresses frustration that material intended for the internal magazine is still being sent to Köping instead of the Sala address. The editor questions whether the magazine has lost reader trust, but notes the lack of criticism suggests another reason. A positive attitude towards the central group is observed, with a call for local groups to assist in alleviating their workload.

UFO-78 Conference in Nyköping

The magazine reports on the UFO-78 conference held in Nyköping from July 9-14. The event was described as pleasant and well-attended, with significant interest in the exhibition and the lectures. Kolbjörn Stenödegård, Chairman of the Norwegian UFO-Center (NUFOC), was the guest speaker, presenting on Norwegian UFO cases and known landing incidents. The report thanks Carl-Anton Mattsson and the Nyköping group for organizing the successful event, calling it an important step for UFO-Sweden.

Planning Conference in Ludvika

An announcement is made for a planning conference for local UFO-Sweden groups, field researchers, and individual members, scheduled for December 9-10, 1978, at Björsjö Skogshem near Ludvika. The conference fee is 120 SEK, covering accommodation and meals. Participants are encouraged to discuss issues within their local groups before the conference. The proposed program includes introductions, discussions on the organization's activities, group work, and an observation evening.

Ancient Nuclear Reactors on Earth

A significant article titled "Det fanns kärnreaktorer på jorden långt före människan" (There were nuclear reactors on Earth long before humans) discusses the discovery of a natural nuclear reactor in Oklo, Gabon, Africa. Geologists discovered this reactor, which is estimated to have been active 1.7 to 1.9 billion years ago. This discovery challenges the previous belief that the first nuclear reactor was built in the USA in 1942. The article speculates on whether this ancient reactor might have influenced the development of primitive life on Earth and poses the question of whether similar natural reactors exist elsewhere. The article also touches upon the current challenges of storing radioactive waste and suggests that the Oklo site might offer insights into long-term storage solutions.

Space Visitors?

During a research conference in Oklo, a hypothesis was jokingly proposed that the reactor find was evidence of a visit from extraterrestrials who used it to refuel their spacecraft. The article explores this idea, considering the possibility of advanced civilizations using nuclear power for interstellar travel and disposing of spent reactors on planets.

UFO Sightings and Research

The Skillingaryd Case

Under the "ORDET FRITT" (Free Speech) section, Frank Östergren discusses the Skillingaryd UFO case, noting its controversial re-evaluation and its use in the debate between UFO-Sweden and GICOFF. He criticizes the handling of the case, suggesting that the witness was exploited and that the investigation by GICOFF may have overlooked crucial details, including a lack of contact with the primary witness. Östergren expresses concern that the case has become a pawn in debates about the "correct" UFO doctrine.

Helge Eriksson's Encounter

Another article, "Helge såg 12 rymd-män" (Helge saw 12 space-men), recounts the testimony of Helge Eriksson, who claims to have seen twelve meter-high, alien-like beings in Mullhyttan, Sweden, about 50 years prior. Eriksson describes them as having grim features and emitting a strong ammonia smell. The article highlights this as one of the earliest known UFO-related witness accounts.

Astronomy News

Pluto Gets a Moon

The article "NU HAR PLUTO FÅTT EN MÅNE och blivit minsta planeten" (Now Pluto Has Gotten a Moon and Become the Smallest Planet) reports on the discovery of Pluto's moon, Charon, by astronomer James Christy. This discovery has led to Pluto being recognized as the smallest planet in our solar system. The article provides details about Charon's size, orbit, and its relationship with Pluto, noting that they are the only planet-moon pair in our solar system with a synchronized orbit. The discovery also prompts speculation about the existence of another planet beyond Pluto influencing its orbit.

Soviet UN Delegate on Extraterrestrial Contact

N. K. Vinnitjenko, a Soviet UN delegate, is quoted discussing the importance of preparing for potential contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. He suggests that such contact would significantly alter human psychology and that the UN should take a leading role in preparing messages to send to other worlds, representing all of humanity.

Letters to the Editor

Loy Solli from UFO SUNDSVALL suggests a PR drive and a comprehensive activity report for UFO-Sweden to demonstrate the organization's continued activity. He also requests guidance for field researchers on how to handle landing traces.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects UFO-Sweden's internal focus, with discussions on organizational efficiency and planning. It also highlights significant UFO-related events and research, including a historical sighting and a controversial case. The inclusion of articles on ancient nuclear reactors and astronomical discoveries like Pluto's moon broadens the scope of topics covered, suggesting an interest in both terrestrial mysteries and cosmic phenomena. The "Free Speech" section indicates a commitment to open discussion within the organization, even on contentious issues. The overall stance appears to be one of active research, organizational development, and exploration of various aspects of the UFO phenomenon and related scientific inquiries.

This issue of UFO-Sverige, dated 1978, focuses on UFO events, research, and related phenomena. The cover prominently features an 'EFTERLYSNING' (WANTED) notice, signaling a call for participants for future UFO events. The magazine delves into personal accounts, speculative theories, and organizational matters within the UFO community.

Personal Encounter: Helge Eriksson

The issue begins with an account from Helge Eriksson, who recounts an encounter with humanoids and a mysterious flying craft. He describes the craft as being about five meters wide, emitting an intense violet glow, and veering sharply into a field before disappearing upwards. Eriksson states he couldn't sleep that night after the encounter. The article notes that his story, like many similar accounts, lacks independent verification, but suggests that by the 1980s, experts might offer explanations.

UFO-79 and Event Planning

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the planning of future UFO events. The UFO-78 week in Nyköping is mentioned as likely leading to a UFO-79 event, possibly held at the Tekniska Museet (Technical Museum) in Stockholm. Jan Johansson and Per Fork are identified as key organizers preparing the program. They are seeking individuals who attended field research courses in Lersäter to assist, particularly those from the Stockholm area. Contact information for Jan Johansson is provided for those interested in volunteering.

The Cheops Pyramid: A Skeptical Analysis

In a lengthy article titled 'CHEOPS - PYRAMIDEN,' T. Jonsson presents a highly critical and speculative examination of the construction of the Cheops pyramid. Jonsson challenges the scientific consensus that the pyramid was built in approximately 30 years, arguing that the sheer number of blocks (2.3 million, each weighing 2.5 tons) would have required a much longer period. He calculates the immense labor force needed for quarrying, transporting, and stacking the stones, estimating the daily consumption of water and food for such a workforce. The article details hypothetical scenarios for water carriers, fishermen providing sustenance, and the construction of thousands of latrines. Jonsson also speculates on the vast number of trees required for rollers and the logistical challenges involved, concluding with a rhetorical 'HUR ???' (HOW ???) regarding the pyramid's construction.

The 'Psychic Motor'

Another article, 'PSYKMOTOR - Vad är nu det för något?' (Psychic Motor - What is it?), investigates a device described as a spinning paper cylinder. The article traces the history of the 'psychic motor,' noting its first mention in the American magazine 'Science and Invention' in 1923, edited by Hugo Gernsback. It recounts a prize competition in 1924 to explain its operation and its reappearance in a report by Stanley Kripper. The device is also mentioned in connection with parapsychological researcher Robert Pavalita and in books by Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder. The article details how Martin Gardner described a 'psychic motor' in 'Scientific American' in 1975, which turned out to be an April Fool's joke. The construction of a basic 'psychic motor' is described, involving a paper cylinder, a pin, and a glass bottle as a bearing, suggesting that with patience, one can observe it spinning when cupped by hand. The article concludes by suggesting that UFO enthusiasts might find this device interesting and hints at future experiments.

Recipe for Gossip

A short, satirical piece titled 'RECEPT' (RECIPE) offers a humorous 'recipe' for creating gossip and false arguments, using ingredients like 'a handful of chatterboxes,' 'a pinch of dried envy,' and 'six drops of pure malice.' The author, Håkan, notes that this recipe, dating from the 1800s, still seems relevant to some UFO organizations and individuals.

UFO-Sverige Planning Conference Minutes

The latter part of the magazine contains the minutes from a UFO-Sverige Planning Conference held on July 9, 1978, in Nyköping. The minutes detail the attendees, the election of a chairman (Bernt Berglund) and secretary (Juan Manzanares), and discussions on various organizational matters. Key topics included:

• Event Naming: A debate on whether to call future events 'Planeringskonferens' (Planning Conference) or 'UFO-träff' (UFO meet).
• Duration of Meetings: Suggestions for 2-day meetings versus shorter, more focused ones.
• Organizational Challenges: Thorvald Berthelsen highlighted the large workload for the central group, the difficulty in finding active members, and the overwhelming number of phone calls received daily. He stressed that UFO-Sverige is not a one-person operation.
• Membership and Board Structure: A proposal from Västerbergslagens UFO-förening suggested that the UFO-Sverige board should include members from all of Sweden, not just one central group, and that a nomination committee should be formed.
• Upcoming Events: Plans were made for a future planning conference in Ludvika on December 9-10, 1978. The 1979 Riksstämman (national meeting) was scheduled for March 17, 1979, with a discussion about whether it should be a one-day or two-day event.
• External Program: Suggestions for the 1979 Riksstämman's external program included showing Finnish UFO films, Däniken's films, or hosting a debate panel.

The minutes reflect the internal workings and challenges of the UFO-Sverige organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in UFO phenomena, both contemporary sightings and historical mysteries like the Cheops pyramid. There's a clear focus on organizing and managing the UFO community in Sweden, as evidenced by the detailed conference minutes. The magazine appears to encourage active participation and critical thinking, as seen in the speculative analysis of the pyramid and the investigation into the 'psychic motor.' The satirical 'recipe' for gossip suggests a self-aware and perhaps critical stance towards certain elements within the UFO community itself. The overall tone is informative, investigative, and community-oriented.

This document appears to be a page from a Swedish publication, likely related to UFO research, dated around 1978. It details minutes or notes from a meeting, focusing on organizational activities, public relations, and future planning.

Meeting Minutes and Discussions

Course Activities (Item 16) The meeting discussed planned activities, including courses for field researchers and a course in association techniques. Proposed topics for these courses included "Contacts with mass media" and "How to inform."

Public Relations (Item 17) A new form of public relations was presented, identified as "Svensk UFO -78." This initiative included an exhibition in Köping, which had reportedly attracted 2500 visitors up to that point, averaging 100 visitors per day. A new proposal was also made suggesting that geographically proximate groups should collaborate more and coordinate their activities.

Conclusion (Item 18) The attendees expressed satisfaction with the proposals presented and the subsequent discussions. The chairman thanked everyone for their interest and invited them to a planning conference to be held in Ludvika on December 9-10, 1978. The chairman then declared the planning conference concluded.

Signatories and Protocol

The document includes a section for the protocol to be attested, with "Juan Manzanares" noted as the protocol officer. Signatures are provided for "Thorvald Berthelsen" and "Mats Nilsson," indicating their role in validating the minutes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The content suggests an organization focused on UFO research and public engagement. The emphasis on courses, public relations strategies like exhibitions, and inter-group collaboration indicates a proactive approach to disseminating information and fostering community within the UFO field. The mention of a planning conference points towards ongoing organizational development and strategic planning.