IUSI - No 07 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of INTERN UFO-Sverigeinformation (Internal UFO-Sweden Information), issue number 7 from October 16, 1978, is published by the Riksorganisationen UFO-Sveriges Centralgrupp. It is marked as confidential and intended only for internal use within the organization. The subscription price is 35 Swedish kronor per calendar year.

Local Group Activity and Collaboration

The lead article, attributed to Håkan, addresses the lack of activity in many local UFO-Sweden groups. It stresses the need for local groups to take initiative and engage in outward-facing activities to broaden knowledge about the UFO problem. Examples of active groups include Nyköping's UFO-78 event, Köping's UFO exhibition, SAT's historical film, and Enköping's plans for a telescope. The author calls for more collaboration between local groups, suggesting joint meetings, film tours, and shared guest speakers. The article also notes an increase in submitted material for the newsletter but requests more contributions, particularly SF stories and articles.

Documenting Swedish UFO History

A section titled "UFO-FÖRENINGAR HÖR UPP!" (UFO ASSOCIATIONS, PAY ATTENTION!) urges all associations to help document Swedish UFO history by sending their materials (member newsletters, statutes, posters, etc.) to AFU (Arbetsgruppen för ufologi) in Södertälje. This material is considered valuable for future research.

Astronomical Observations

An article briefly mentions the recently discovered rings around the planet Uranus, noting that observations are difficult and that these rings are believed to be dark and composed of materials similar to those on Uranus's moons, unlike Saturn's reflective ice particles.

Central Group Phone Numbers and Operations

Thorvald from the Central Group discusses the operational challenges of managing the organization, particularly the central group's telephone number (0221/31025). He explains that the workload is too much for one person and that an automatic answering service is used when he is unavailable. He urges callers to use the alternative numbers provided or to leave messages. The high volume of calls from the general public about UFOs is impacting the ability to conduct concrete work, leading to the implementation of specific phone hours. Thorvald emphasizes that the organization's activities cannot depend on a single individual and that stagnation is detrimental.

UFO-Sveriges Stillfilm

Information is provided on how to order UFO-Sveriges still films, requiring written requests at least four weeks in advance to the Köpings UFO-Förening.

Field Research Equipment and Concepts

An article titled "GAMMALT INSTRUMENT TAS UPP PÅ NYTT?" (OLD INSTRUMENT REVIVED?) discusses Wilbert B. Smith's "Field Strength Meter" (Kraftfältsmätare), originally constructed in the 1950s. The instrument is designed to detect regions with reduced cohesive force, which the article links to UFO phenomena and potentially to atomic bomb explosions. The meter works by measuring the tension of a nylon thread under strain. The article includes an excerpt from Smith's book "Fakta om Flygande Tefat och deras Drivmetoder" (Facts about Flying Saucers and their Propulsion Methods), detailing the concept of "materia's cohesive forces" and how these forces can be reduced, potentially causing aircraft to fall apart. The author notes that attempts to get official participation in investigating these phenomena have been dismissed as "crazy ideas."

Field Research Course in Lersäter

A detailed report covers a three-day field research course held in Lersäter from September 8-10. The course included a beginner's day with about 40 participants focusing on UFO case investigation and misinterpretation phenomena. Saturday's sessions featured interview methodology and witness psychology, with practical exercises involving analyzing a case of alleged "space debris." Participants also conducted practical investigations of supposed UFO landing traces, which were determined to be fake. Technical aids like metal detectors were demonstrated. The course also included a presentation by Lieutenant Colonel Anders Hjulström on air surveillance and cooperation with UFO-Sweden, who clarified that the military does not support the idea of extraterrestrial visitors but encouraged local groups to inquire about using observation towers. The evening included entertainment with music and magic.

On Sunday, Thorvald discussed contact with authorities and the media. Feedback from participants suggested changes for future courses, including splitting the basic course and refresher course into different times of the year (May for the basic course, August for the continuation course) to improve the program and hope for better weather.

Election Committee (Valberedning)

A discussion about forming an election committee for the upcoming national meeting is presented. It clarifies that an election committee cannot be elected itself and highlights UFO-Sweden's preparedness against "coup methods" since 1973. The article calls for local groups or individual members willing to serve on the committee to contact the newsletter's editorial staff. The national meeting is scheduled for April 7, 1979, in Köping.

Support Fund

Information is provided for the Support Fund's postgiro account (23 90 52-4).

"Spökpartikeln" (Ghost Particle) - The Neutrino

This section introduces the neutrino, an elementary particle discovered by CERN researchers. It can penetrate all matter, including the Earth, at the speed of light. The article explains that trillions of neutrinos pass through our bodies every second, originating from the sun. It suggests that neutrinos could revolutionize telecommunications, similar to Marconi's wireless telegraphy, and enable wireless communication with submarines. The existence of neutrinos was predicted by physicist Wolfgang Pauli in 1933 and they were first detected in 1956. The article describes how neutrinos are produced at CERN and detected using bubble chambers. It highlights their potential for underwater communication and mentions a US Navy project to investigate this.

Military Interest in Neutrino Communication

The article discusses the military interest in neutrino communication, particularly for future nuclear warfare scenarios where conventional radio communications might be disrupted by EMP effects. It notes that the US Navy is researching this technology.

New Field of Physics

Neutrinos are also of interest to civilian researchers for exploring the microcosm of matter. They are influenced by the "weak force," which may be linked to a new, unidentified force field and a corresponding new particle, the intermediate boson. Neutrinos could also provide insights into the universe's origin, potentially leading to a new branch of astronomy. Plans for a neutrino telescope are mentioned.

Wanted: Translators

An "EFTERLYSNING" (WANTED) notice seeks individuals who can translate articles from languages such as German, English, French, Spanish, and Finnish for the UFO-Information magazine. Translators are asked to contact the central group in Köping.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the importance of active local groups, the documentation of UFO history, scientific exploration (astronomy and particle physics), and the practical aspects of UFO investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging proactive engagement from members, emphasizing the need for collaboration, and promoting scientific inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the practical challenges of running a large organization.

Title: Bärgslagsbladet
Issue Date: September 11, 1978
Content Focus: UFO phenomena, investigations, and related mysteries.

70 on UFO International Course in Lersäter

Nearly 70 UFO enthusiasts from across Sweden gathered for a weekend international course in Lersäter, near Koslva. Organized by the Köpings UFO-förening and Studieförbundet Vuxenskolan, the course offered both basic and advanced training to improve the quality of UFO investigations. Topics covered included misinterpretation phenomena, interview techniques, and photo documentation, all handled in both practical and theoretical forms.

Gunnar Thoren from Kiruna was the participant who traveled the furthest. He expressed the value of connecting with other UFO enthusiasts, especially as he felt like a 'lone wolf' in Kiruna. Thoren dedicates significant time to his interest, often traveling long distances to investigate UFO sightings.

Quality of Investigations

The article highlights the efforts to improve the quality of UFO investigations. Gunnar hopes for a positive reception of the materials in Norrland, despite some visual aids being removed for the trip.

Weather Stops Training

Following a basic course for 39 field researchers on Friday, a continuation course on Saturday saw the addition of 30 'repeat guys' who had attended the previous year. Notably, 17 women participated in the course. Due to poor weather, aerial observation training was canceled. However, the fog and haze on Saturday evening provided a unique opportunity to study light phenomena, such as flares and alarm mines used by the military. The article notes how these light phenomena can be easily misinterpreted as flying objects, especially when enhanced by fog.

Space Debris

A UFO report from a fisherman in July, who believed he saw a flying saucer, served as a case study for interview methodology. Field researchers discussed the report with experienced UFO investigators and concluded it was not a UFO but space debris burning up in the atmosphere, evidenced by the object's multi-colored lights.

Landing Traces

During a practical exercise, participants examined a simulated landing site of a 'flying saucer'. They were instructed on procedures like cordoning off the area, photography (color and black and white), and then examining the traces. The simulated traces consisted of three impressions and a burnt circle in the middle. After distance studies, the depth and spacing of the impressions were measured. The surrounding terrain was also examined, including checks for radioactivity using a Geiger counter.

The exercise was filmed, and later that evening, participants discussed their mistakes. Lieutenant Colonel Anders Hjulström, head of intelligence and security for Military District O, spoke about the Swedish military's radar surveillance at the borders. He explained that UFOs are rarely detected by military radar unless they are moving in formation, as a direct descent would create a distinct echo that might not always be registered.

Unexplained Phenomena

Military computers filter out phenomena that are not militarily explainable. An exception mentioned is a highly unusual UFO observed off Gotland during the summer, which was seen visually by military personnel and also registered on radar.

Higher Quality

Thorvald Berthelsen states that the quality of investigations has significantly improved over the past year. They no longer focus on simple dots at high altitudes unless they exhibit unusual movement. Instead, they investigate larger objects, with smaller sightings often resolved over the phone. Despite expectations of a high UFO observation year due to films like 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', the first half of 1978 was unusually quiet. However, reports have increased in the autumn, with about 12 observations per week, though few are truly significant.

Meeting UFOs - Part 1

This section, written by Björn-Erik Berglund, details a reporter's assignment to investigate UFO phenomena.

The Assignment

Reporter Mattias Andersson is tasked by his editor-in-chief, Arvidsson, to travel to Ånn in Jämtland to report on unusual aerial phenomena, suspected to be UFOs. The assignment is challenging due to the remote location and the need for night observations. Mattias, initially hesitant due to personal reasons, accepts the assignment after being assured of its importance and his unique suitability for it.

Ånn, Jämtland

Ånn is described as a picturesque village by a lake, surrounded by mountains. The area is known for unusual aerial sightings, especially during bad weather, which are believed to be UFOs. The article notes that regular aircraft would not be able to fly in such conditions. Strange light phenomena have also been observed.

Fru Oskarsson's Account

Mattias stays at a guesthouse run by Fru Oskarsson. She recounts an incident where she heard a loud detonation towards the lake at 3 AM, followed by a large, circular opening in the water. She also describes seeing machines of unknown origin flying from the lake towards the north, emitting a distinctive, muffled sound unlike conventional aircraft engines.

Overflights

These overflights reportedly occurred between 11 PM and 3 AM, always during bad weather. No positional lights were observed, but the speed was estimated at around 100 km/h. Mattias interviews locals, but many have little to report. He notes that the roads are well-maintained, even in winter.

Antimatter

This section reports on the collection and storage of antimatter at CERN in Geneva. Several antiprotons were held in a machine for 85 hours. Antimatter is described as the mirror image of matter, and their contact results in mutual annihilation. Theoretically, antimatter is a potent fuel source, but its production is currently more energy-intensive than the potential energy gain.

The Svensken Wille Wallin Disappearance in the Death Triangle

This article delves into the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, where over 1000 people and numerous vessels and aircraft have disappeared since 1945. The disappearance of the Swedish sailboat 'Mary Celeste' and the Rubicon freighter are mentioned, where crews abandoned their vessels, leaving behind only animals.

A Russian-American expedition is planned to investigate the triangle. Theories include the role of the Gulf Stream's 'white water' and potential powerful magnetic fields on the seabed. The article recounts a US Navy experiment in Philadelphia where a destroyer was made to disappear using electrical equipment, and a similar experiment at sea where individuals briefly became invisible.

A notable incident from 1974 involved a Boeing 727 flying from New York to Miami. It was observed on radar, then vanished for ten minutes before landing normally. The crew's watches were found to be ten minutes slow, leading to speculation about the plane entering a 'door' in the air and a timeless realm.

The 'Vagabond'

The sailboat 'Vagabond', formerly 'Goodwin', owned by Wille Wallin, disappeared near Bermuda in 1969. It was found sailing without a crew, and Wallin was never found. This disappearance is listed among many unexplained losses in the area west of Bermuda.

Viking Tests Einstein

This brief note mentions that Viking spacecraft will test Einstein's general theory of relativity on Mars. The experiment involves measuring the time it takes for radio signals to travel from Earth to instruments on Mars and back, with a predicted slight time dilation due to gravitational effects near the sun.

The False UFO Landing Revealed

This article reports on a staged UFO landing that was revealed during a UFO investigation training course in Lersäter, near Kolsva. The event was part of a three-day training program for UFO enthusiasts from across the country.

Training and Deception

Seventy-two participants, many of whom had prior UFO-Sverige experience, attended the course. The 'landing' was a simulated event designed to test participants' investigative skills. The area was cordoned off for photography and documentation. The article notes that UFO organizations sometimes encounter individuals attempting to deceive them.

Low Costs and Realistic Scenarios

The choice of Lersäter, outside of populated areas, was for two reasons: to keep costs down for members and to allow for realistic 'performances'. The course cost 75 SEK for three days, including food and lodging. Military flares and parachute blossoms were used over Lundbysjön to simulate UFO-like light phenomena, which would be difficult to stage in built-up areas.

UFO-Sverige's Operations

UFO-Sverige receives no state funding, as the organization is too small to qualify for grants. Members must cover their own expenses for investigations and documentation. The article mentions that the UFO exhibition in Köping is planned to be moved to the Technical Museum in Stockholm, with an expected 50,000 visitors.

UFO Field Researchers Trained in Kolsva

Another article from Vestmanlands Läns Tidning on September 9, 1978, reports on the UFO field researchers being trained in Kolsva. The training, involving about seventy participants, aims to equip them to investigate and follow up on reported UFO phenomena in their local areas. Thorvald Berthelsen, chairman of the Köpings UFO-förening, states that about 80% of reported phenomena are misinterpretations, such as aircraft lights, rocket launches, and flares. The course emphasizes practical demonstrations of these misinterpretations, with participation from the military and air force.

Lieutenant Colonel Anders Hjulström explains the military's perspective on UFOs, stating that unless proven otherwise, all observations are considered misinterpretations, although some military personnel have witnessed unexplainable phenomena. He emphasizes the importance of caution and critical thinking in UFO research.

Christer and Annika Nordin, participants in the course, express their interest in UFOs, with Annika drawn by the 'speed' and Christer by the 'curiosity' and desire for knowledge. They stress that they are not fanatics and advocate for a cautious approach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance:

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation, distinguishing between actual sightings and misinterpretations, and exploring related mysteries like the Bermuda Triangle. There is a clear stance supporting the scientific study of UFOs, with an emphasis on evidence-based analysis and a critical yet open-minded approach. The articles highlight the efforts of UFO organizations like UFO-Sverige and the Köpings UFO-förening in educating the public and conducting investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting informed discussion and research into unexplained aerial phenomena.

This document is a page from a Swedish magazine, likely from the year 2020, identified by the page number '20' and the issue identifier '23 90 52-4'. The primary focus of this page is to detail the "UFO-Sveriges stödfond" (UFO-Sweden's Support Fund).

UFO-Sveriges Stödfond (Support Fund)

The article explains that UFO-Sverige has a special fund dedicated to providing grants. This fund is managed by an individual who is independent of the organization. Funds from this pool are made available upon request from the central group or the general meeting, provided that the need is clearly articulated. The fund's primary purpose is to cover expenses associated with the membership magazine and administrative tasks. Additionally, it aims to contribute financially to other initiatives that UFO-Sverige is mandated to undertake according to its statutes.

A key aspect highlighted is the transparency and accountability of the fund. Donors are granted the right to full insight into how the funds are utilized, enabling them to exercise a form of co-control. The management of the fund is subject to review by auditors. Furthermore, a written annual report detailing the fund's activities and financial status is made accessible to all active members and interested parties.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The content strongly emphasizes financial transparency, accountability, and the structured management of organizational resources. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting good governance and donor confidence within the UFO-Sverige organization. The focus on an independent manager and auditor oversight suggests a commitment to ethical financial practices.