IUSI - No 09 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of INTERN UFO-Sverigeinformation, number 9, dated November 14, 1978, is published by UFO-Sveriges Centralgrupp. It is a confidential internal publication for members of the UFO-Sverige organization, with content not to be shared with third parties. The magazine covers UFO-related news, organizational matters, and scientific discussions.

Editorial and Internal Communications

The editorial section, signed by Mats, addresses the increased activity on the 'Intern-bladet' (internal newsletter) and encourages members to share their opinions and experiences, even if they have overcome problems. Mats clarifies that 'Intern UFO-Info' is not intended to compete with 'UFO-Information,' which targets the general public with UFO incidents, while the internal newsletter focuses on organizational statistics and member activities. The editorial also notes a low subscription rate for 'UFO-Information' among UFO-Sverige members, with only about 10% subscribing.

Organizational Dispute: Kalmar-Ölands UFO-förening

A significant portion of the magazine details a conflict within the Kalmar-Ölands UFO-förening. Leif Andersson and Bert Petersson describe how a group of members began to criticize UFO-Sverige and eventually decided to leave the organization. This group also accused Andersson and Petersson of profiting from printing the 'UFO-Nytt' club magazine. The authors refute these claims, explaining the costs involved in printing and distribution. The dispute extended to the use of a rented club house, where the dissenting group allegedly took back donated items and incurred expenses without proper decision-making. The article suggests that this group may be attempting to dissolve the local chapter.

UFO Exhibition in Köping

The Köping local group's UFO exhibition is highlighted as a success, attracting over 10,000 visitors, primarily tourists. The exhibition was promoted through national press ads and extensive poster campaigns. A significant factor in its success was media coverage, including on TV. The exhibition was financed through a 7000 SEK grant from the Köping municipality, supplemented by funds from the Culture and Leisure Committees. The group plans to hold a permanent UFO expo in the future and will participate in a UFO expo at the Technical Museum in Stockholm.

Scientific Theories

Expanding Earth and Decreasing Gravity

An article discusses a theory proposed by physicists Dirac and Pascual Jordan, suggesting that the Earth is growing and its gravity is decreasing. They posit that the Earth's surface has doubled in size over the last 6 billion years. This theory is supported by the observation that continental coastlines, like those of Africa and South America, fit together like puzzle pieces. The article contrasts this with Isaac Newton's view of immutable gravity.

UFO Sighting in Nacka, Stockholm

Several articles detail a mysterious light observed over Nacka, Stockholm, on the night of October 26, 1978. Witnesses, including police officers, described a blinking light that moved erratically. Initial investigations by police, air traffic control at Arlanda, and the Tullinge weather station did not yield an explanation. Some speculated it was a UFO, while others suggested a balloon. Astronomer Aage Sandkvist from the Stockholm Observatory, however, identified the phenomenon as the planet Jupiter, explaining that its intense light can be refracted by the atmosphere, causing it to appear to blink and change color, especially when low on the horizon. Sandkvist also references a similar incident in Dals-Långed in 1975, which was also later identified as Jupiter. Boris Jungkvist, an UFO expert, strongly disagrees with the Jupiter explanation, believing it to be an extraterrestrial visit and citing 21 reports from witnesses who saw the phenomenon.

Technical Articles

Recording Phone Calls

An article provides instructions on how to record phone calls using a simple telephone pickup device or by directly connecting to the phone line. It mentions that Clas Ohlson sells a pickup for under ten kronor. The article also includes a schematic for connecting a high-impedance tape recorder to a phone line, though it notes this method is prohibited.

Planning Conference

An announcement urges members to register for a planning conference in Ludvika, mentioning a day-price for Saturday attendance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes open communication within the UFO-Sverige organization and encourages members to share their experiences. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between public information and internal organizational matters. The publication also engages with scientific theories and attempts to provide explanations for UFO sightings, often favoring astronomical explanations like Jupiter, while also presenting the views of UFO enthusiasts who maintain the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. There is a clear emphasis on the need for careful analysis and avoiding hasty conclusions, as seen in the critique of Boris Jungkvist's public statements.

This issue of "FRÅGOR OCH SVAR" (Questions and Answers), published by Intern UFO-Sverige Information, features a debate on UFO phenomena, exploring various perspectives from researchers, scientists, and skeptics. The magazine delves into the complexities of UFO sightings, the challenges of scientific investigation, and the cultural impact of the UFO topic.

Key Articles and Discussions

Questions and Answers with UFO-Sverige

The issue opens with a question from Carl Dunå, who seeks to understand the administration, aims, and international cooperation of UFO organizations. He expresses skepticism about the quality of existing UFO literature in Swedish, noting that many authors seem convinced of extraterrestrial involvement, which he believes can lead to 'UFO-cults and quasi-religious sects.' He emphasizes the need for objective facts and verifiable evidence, criticizing authors who present unsubstantiated claims.

UFO-Sverige responds, clarifying that their primary goal is not to prove the existence of UFOs but to provide natural explanations for reported phenomena. They acknowledge the poor quality of much UFO literature in Swedish and express a desire for more objective reporting. They encourage critical thinking and suggest that those with strong opinions should actively engage in research rather than just writing.

The Sirius Mystery by Robert Temple

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Robert Temple's theories, as presented in his book 'The Sirius Mystery.' The article explores the idea that ancient civilizations, particularly the Dogon people of Mali, possessed advanced astronomical knowledge that could only have come from extraterrestrial contact. Temple suggests that beings from the Sirius star system, referred to as 'nommers,' visited Earth thousands of years ago, imparting knowledge about writing, astronomy, and architecture. The Dogon's myths and traditions are presented as evidence, detailing their knowledge of Sirius B, an invisible companion star to Sirius, which astronomers had only recently discovered. The article also links these ideas to ancient Sumerian and Egyptian cultures, suggesting a common origin for their myths and astronomical understanding.

Temple's work is described as a blend of science and fantasy, with some scientists and historians finding his arguments compelling, while others remain skeptical. The article highlights the Dogon's description of the 'nommers' as fish-like beings, their advanced understanding of Sirius, and their belief that these beings originated from a water-covered planet.

Skepticism from Professor Sten von Friesen

Physics professor Sten von Friesen, known from the TV program 'Fråga Lund,' is presented as a prominent skeptic. He dismisses UFOs as 'nonsense' and 'superstition,' arguing that the vast distances between stars make interstellar travel highly improbable. He uses a humorous argument about aliens traveling immense distances only to land in a bog in Ireland to meet a farmer, questioning the logic of such a journey.

Von Friesen's views are contrasted with those of ufologists who believe in the existence of UFOs. The article lists numerous scientists, astronomers, politicians, and astronauts who have shown interest in or support for UFO research, including figures like Allen J. Hynek, Carl Sagan, and Edwin Aldrin.

Misidentification and Military Perspectives

The magazine also addresses the misidentification of phenomena as UFOs. One article explains how reports of strange lights in Norway and Sweden in early 1972 were actually caused by debris from the falling Russian satellite Kosmos 453. The article points out that people often see what they want to see, especially when they lack a clear explanation.

Another section features a response from Torsten Björklund, press chief at F 12 (a Swedish Air Force unit), to UFO logist Gunnar Schelin. Björklund acknowledges that military personnel have a duty of silence regarding classified information but denies any general 'gag order' on UFO sightings. He states that while they have not personally observed anything unexplainable, they would report such findings if they occurred. He suggests that many reported 'mysterious objects' are likely misidentified weather balloons or satellites.

UFO-Logist Gunnar Schelin's Views

Gunnar Schelin, a 70-year-old ufologist from Borgholm, is presented as a key figure in the Swedish UFO community. He believes that UFOs are real and that credible evidence is still lacking. He notes a growing public interest in UFOs, moving from being considered eccentric to being seen as normal. Schelin highlights the importance of objectivity and self-criticism in UFO research. He also mentions the existence of numerous UFO organizations and reports in Sweden.

Authority and Education

A brief section titled "AUKTORITETER" (Authorities) touches upon the role of teachers as authorities in schools, recounting anecdotes from a history and botany lesson. This section seems to serve as a lighthearted interlude, contrasting with the more serious UFO discussions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "FRÅGOR OCH SVAR" reflects a polarized debate surrounding UFOs. On one hand, there is a strong push from ufologists and researchers like Robert Temple to explore the possibility of extraterrestrial contact and its implications for human history and civilization. They emphasize the need for open-mindedness and the collection of evidence, even if it challenges conventional scientific understanding.

On the other hand, prominent scientists and military personnel express skepticism, attributing sightings to misidentification, psychological factors, or simply dismissing them as 'nonsense.' The magazine highlights the tension between these viewpoints, showcasing the challenges in establishing objective truth in the field of UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting different perspectives and encouraging critical engagement with the topic, rather than taking a definitive side, though the emphasis on evidence and objectivity suggests a leaning towards a more rigorous, scientific approach.

Title: Flygande tefat (Flying Saucers)
Issue: 10
Volume: 1978
Date: October 1978
Publisher: UFO-Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0345-4077

This issue of "Flygande tefat" focuses on the ongoing debate and public interest surrounding UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) in Sweden. It features articles, letters to the editor, and interviews that explore eyewitness accounts, the scientific community's stance, and the work of UFO investigation organizations.

Herr Schelin: "Alla som ser UFO är inte stollar!"

This section addresses the common perception that people who report seeing UFOs are not credible. Herr Schelin argues that prominent individuals who report UFO sightings should not be dismissed as "fools." He references Professor Adamski, who reportedly provided detailed descriptions of how UFOs maneuver and achieve high speeds, even exceeding the speed of light. Adamski's explanations involve the concept of resonant frequencies and energy fields that can make the craft appear to glow or even disappear by bending light waves. The article suggests that while current scientific understanding may not fully grasp these advanced technologies, future human civilization will likely achieve similar levels of technological advancement, with robots handling laborious tasks.

Tefat 9 UFO:s existens

This letter, written by Gunnar Schelin, responds to other readers, particularly those identified as "Science Fiction" and "Naturvetare." Schelin expresses a preference for facts over fantasy and criticizes the Condon Report as being fraudulent. He notes that NASA's refusal to resume UFO research is unsurprising, given their alleged desire to maintain negative results. Schelin also mentions a reported request for $220 million by prominent researchers to prepare for contact with extraterrestrial beings, suggesting that such contact is considered a matter of time. He asserts that he has long provided evidence for UFO existence and finds the constant need to prove it tedious, stating that skeptics will remain unconvinced regardless of the evidence. Schelin also takes issue with Professor Sten von Friesen's remarks, which allegedly labeled UFOlogists and other professionals as "superstitious fools," and demands an apology. He argues that von Friesen has no special authority on the subject. Schelin dismisses the notion of "little green men" as fabrications by UFO detractors, intended to ridicule the subject and discourage reporting. He also points out that military personnel have a duty of silence regarding UFO observations, which explains why F 12 might claim not to have seen anything.

Gunnar Schelin: "Flyget och UFO"

This article features Gunnar Schelin, who has engaged in a lengthy debate regarding the existence of UFOs, particularly against those who doubt them. He addresses Major Björklund of F 12, acknowledging his response but noting that the duty of silence does not extend to unidentified flying objects. Schelin implies that a lack of continuous monitoring from air traffic control towers could lead to many sightings going unnoticed. Despite claims that pilots never see UFOs, Schelin cites a press report about a major at F 12 who allegedly saw a "flying saucer" over Halland on July 1st of the previous year. He also mentions an interview with an air force lieutenant colonel who described seeing nine oval yellow objects performing an unusual maneuver at high altitude. Schelin concludes that pilots do indeed see UFOs.

SE SYNAR: Flygande tefat är inget att skratta åt!

This section recounts the famous 1947 sighting by private pilot Kenneth Arnold over the Rocky Mountains in the USA. Arnold observed nine disc-shaped objects flying in a V-formation. Upon landing, he described their movement as similar to saucers skipping over water, thus coining the term "flying saucer." The article notes that since Arnold's sighting over 30 years prior, interest in flying saucers has grown worldwide. In Sweden, the organization UFO-Sverige, headquartered in Köping and led by Thorvald Berthelsen, has two thousand members. Berthelsen confirms the existence of flying saucers, citing numerous reports and investigations from around the world as proof. He explains that flying saucers are part of the UFO phenomenon and cannot be explained by known means. A flying saucer is defined as an intelligently maneuvered craft, distinguishable only upon close contact.

"Jag har upplevt närkontakt"

This section includes an interview with Gideon Johansson from Tranås, who claims to have experienced a "close encounter of the third degree." He describes a saucer landing on his property, and upon approaching, he saw two bald-headed beings, approximately 14-15 years old, behind a window. He stood three meters from the craft before it rapidly ascended and disappeared.

The article also touches upon the classification of UFO encounters into three degrees: first degree (seeing a UFO at a distance), second degree (UFOs causing physical side effects, car stalls, or electrical disturbances), and third degree (direct contact with living beings). It highlights the work of Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige, which receives and investigates reports of unknown aerial objects. While acknowledging that about 80% of reported cases have natural explanations (often identifiable as aircraft), the organization focuses on the remaining 20% that are considered highly interesting, often involving second-degree encounters with landing marks or other traces.

UFO-Sverige members often theorize that these craft originate from other planets. The organization does not draw conclusions or offer explanations but merely states that a UFO observation has occurred, publishing these accounts in their magazine, "UFO-information." The article notes that the subject is controversial, and scientists and politicians are hesitant to engage with it due to the unpredictable nature of UFO appearances and the potential for misinterpretation of data from untrained observers.

Political Leaders Are Afraid

This sub-section, under the broader theme of "Politikerna är rädda" (The Politicians Are Afraid), suggests that political leaders are reluctant to seriously address the UFO phenomenon. The article implies that the scientific community's approach to UFOs is hampered by the need for controlled experiments, which are not feasible for studying such unpredictable phenomena. The material gathered can be misleading due to misinterpretations by untrained observers. The author urges that the craft observed should be taken seriously, as extraordinary events will continue to occur.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for the reality of UFOs and flying saucers, presenting eyewitness accounts and the perspectives of UFO investigation groups like UFO-Sverige. The editorial stance is clearly pro-UFO, aiming to legitimize the subject and counter skepticism. Recurring themes include the credibility of witnesses, the technological capabilities of UFOs, the potential for extraterrestrial contact, and criticism of scientific and governmental reluctance to investigate the phenomenon seriously. The magazine positions itself as a platform for those who believe in UFOs, encouraging detailed reporting and challenging doubters. There is a clear emphasis on factual reporting of sightings and encounters, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of some theories regarding the origin of these craft.