IUSI - No 13 1979

Magazine Overview

This document is an internal bulletin from the Swedish UFO organization, UFO-Sverige, designated as issue number 13, dated March 12, 1979. The publication is intended exclusively for internal use by members and its content is confidential.

Key Contents

Formation of UFO-Stockholm and Exhibition

The bulletin reports on the recent formation of the UFO-Stockholm association. This new group has organized its first event: a UFO exhibition at the Technical Museum in Stockholm, running during weeks 8, 9, and 10. The undersigned (Mats) assisted the organizers on Wednesday, February 28th. An evening panel debate, preceded by a slide show, was held, and due to high interest, the film had to be shown twice. This initiative is highlighted as an excellent example of how local groups can support UFO-Sweden's efforts to raise public awareness about UFO issues.

National Meeting (Riksstämma) in Köping

The annual national meeting (Riksstämma) of UFO-Sverige is scheduled for Saturday, April 7, 1979, at 10:00 AM in Folkets Hus, Köping. Tickets for the meeting cost 25 kronor each and must be pre-purchased by March 31st. Payment should be made to postgiro account 74 51 90 - 9, belonging to Köpings UFO-förening. Attendees are instructed to keep their payment receipt as it serves as their ticket and must be exchanged for a special entry ticket at the venue; no physical tickets will be mailed. If the event sells out, payments will be refunded, and attendees will be notified.

The detailed agenda for the Riksstämma is provided, including items such as opening the meeting, roll call of local group representatives, adoption of the agenda, election of vote counters, chairperson, and secretary, review of auditors' reports, decisions on the central group's accountability, election of auditors, and the central group's activity report. Several motions are listed for discussion, numbered 1 through 9, covering topics like the structure of the central group, planning conferences, the UFO-Sweden board's meetings, the central group's composition, and the size of membership fees. Specific motions include proposals from Västerbergslagens UFO-förening and Köpings UFO-förening, as well as one from UFO-gruppen Cosmos regarding the term 'extraterrestrial craft' and another from Enköpings UFO-förening concerning membership fees.

Article on Astronomy

An article titled "ANNORLUNDA TELESKOP" (Unusual Telescopes) discusses a new 6.1-meter telescope in the Soviet Union, described as the largest in the world and potentially the largest ever built due to gravitational constraints on larger single mirrors. Astronomers are exploring methods to overcome these limitations by combining multiple medium-sized telescopes. The article also mentions a six-telescope instrument at Mount Hopkins Observatory near Tucson, Arizona, USA, each with a 1.8-meter mirror, and the potential for future multi-mirror telescopes equivalent to a 25-meter mirror.

Motions and Central Group Opinions

Several motions submitted for the Riksstämma are detailed, along with the Central Group's opinions and proposals. These include:

• Motion 1979/1 (Committee within UFO-Sweden's board): The Central Group states that according to statutes (§ 17), the Central Group is responsible for operational functions and can establish working groups. It is up to the Central Group, not the Riksstämma, to determine the need for such functions. The group proposes that the motion be considered answered by the provided statement.
• Motion 1979/2 (Board meetings within UFO-Sweden): The Central Group notes that the board has met twice a month and holds meetings as needed. They see no reason to mandate a minimum of three board meetings per year with a fixed schedule and propose the motion be answered as stated.
• Motion 1979/3 (UFO-Sweden's planning conferences): The Central Group proposes that the 1979 planning conference be held on October 20th, that its proposals be published in the member magazine, and that the duration (one or two days) be decided in consultation with the arranging local group.
• Motion 1979/4 (Reporting of Central Group composition before elections): The Central Group proposes that this motion be approved.
• Motion 1979/5 (Election to UFO-Sweden's board): The Central Group argues that expanding the board would hinder efficiency and effectiveness, citing difficulties in finding qualified members already. They refer to a previous motion regarding the 'pig in a poke' issue and propose the motion be answered as stated.
• Motion 1979/6 (Special instructions for working groups): The Central Group has assessed available capacities and proposes that the Riksstämma appoint: 1. Köpings UFO-förening as the UFO-Sweden report and alarm center. 2. Köpings UFO-förening as the UFO-Sweden information and marketing unit. 3. Mats Nilsson and Håkan Ekstrand for the editorial team, with Mats Nilsson as the responsible publisher of the member magazine. 4. Leif Andersson and Bert Petersson for printing and distribution.
• Motion 1979/7 (The term 'extraterrestrial craft'): Proposed by UFO-Gruppen Cosmos, this motion suggests using the term 'extraterrestrial craft' instead of 'UFO,' arguing that contact is made with a substantial object and the term is less controversial. The Central Group's response notes that international ufology uses UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) and IFO (Identified Flying Object). They state there is no conclusive scientific proof that UFO phenomena are extraterrestrial craft and that adopting such a term would invite ridicule. They also mention UFO-Sweden's program uses the description 'a type of aircraft, manufactured and operated by an intelligence.' The Central Group proposes the motion be answered as stated.
• Motion 1979/8 (Membership fee size): Enköpings UFO-förening proposes increasing the group membership fee to 100 kronor per local group.

Other Information

• Subscription: The magazine is published approximately 10 times a year, with a subscription fee of 40 kronor per calendar year. Payment is to be made to postgiro account 35 44 51-7 (Leif Andersson).
• Contact Information: Editorial address is SAT/Mats Nilsson, Östra Thulegatan 43, 733 00 Sala. Phone: 0224/17771. Printing and distribution by Leif Andersson, Ryd, 380 60 Färjestaden. Phone: 0485-373 33.
• Exhibition Material: A 'mini-exhibition' with material for 4-5 display screens can be rented from Köpings UFO-förening (Box 151, 731 01 Köping). A larger exhibition with material for 55 screens can be rented from UFO-Nyköping/Carl-Anton Mattsson.

Forms

Several pages of the document contain blank forms labeled "PSYKMOTORPROTOKOLL NR:" (Psychomotor Protocol No.) with fields for date, time, clockwise/counter-clockwise rotation, left/right hand, direction, and remarks, along with a circular diagram for sketching or description. These forms appear to be for recording experimental data, possibly related to psychomotor tests or observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this internal bulletin revolve around the operational aspects of the UFO-Sweden organization, including local group activities, the planning and execution of the national meeting, and the formulation of organizational policies through motions. There is a strong emphasis on internal procedures, statutes, and the practicalities of running the organization. The editorial stance, as reflected in the Central Group's responses to motions, is generally cautious and pragmatic, prioritizing organizational efficiency and scientific rigor. The debate around terminology (UFO vs. extraterrestrial craft) highlights a concern for maintaining credibility within the ufological community and avoiding ridicule. The publication also serves as a platform for disseminating information about astronomical advancements, albeit briefly.

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION, dated 1979, is a publication from the Central Group of UFO-Sverige, focusing on the organization's activities and finances from the previous year, 1978. It includes official reports, discussions on organizational matters, training programs, and a commentary on the publication's economy.

Motions and Decisions

The issue details two motions: Motion nr. 1979/8 concerning the size of membership fees and Motion nr. 1979/9 regarding the taxation for the UFO-Sverige support fund. The Central Group recommended approving Motion 1979/8, suggesting that the current membership fee of 25 SEK, with a 60 SEK subsidy for A-members, should be maintained to strengthen UFO-Sverige's economy and ensure only stable groups seek membership. For Motion 1979/9, which proposed a two SEK contribution per member from local groups to the support fund, the Central Group recommended that the motion be considered answered by their statement. They argued that local groups already bear significant financial responsibility for investigation and public outreach, and any surplus funds would likely be voluntarily transferred to the support fund.

Training Programs

Köpings UFO-förening organized a weekend course for new field researchers on May 19-20. This course, now in its third year, is both theoretical and practical, aimed at members interested in investigation work. A similar course was planned simultaneously in Sollefteå for members in northern Sweden. Both courses were to be followed by a "refresher" session in Lersäter from August 24-26. The training covers interview methodology, witness psychology, and common pitfalls in UFO case documentation, with an emphasis on practical exercises. Demonstrations of phenomena like light flares and parachute flares were planned. The minimum age for participants is 15, and this training is a requirement to be an active field researcher within UFO-Sverige. The cost for food and lodging was 85 SEK, with participants needing to bring their own linens and towels. A parallel training course was also organized in Norrland by Föreningen för tvärvetenskap UFO-Adalen in cooperation with UFO-Sundsvall.

Central Group's Annual Report 1978

The report from the Central Group for Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige for the 1978 fiscal year was presented. The Central Group for 1978 consisted of five members from Köpings UFO-förening: Thorvald Berthelsen (chairman), Jaan Noor (cashier), Karl-Olov Pettersson, Ingvar Damm, and Mille Milianowicz. The auditors for 1978 were Jörgen Granlie and Ivar Karlsson.

The annual meeting (Riksstämma) was held on March 20 in Stockholm and was described as the most successful public event for UFO-Sverige and Swedish ufology, attracting 1,300 attendees. The event sold out a week in advance, and media coverage included Dagens Eko and TV2's Rapport. Köpings UFO-förening was elected as the Central Group for the third consecutive year.

Planning conferences were held in July in Nyköping and in December in Ludvika, which were becoming increasingly important for UFO-Sverige's development and reduced the burden on the annual meeting's internal negotiations.

Membership numbers at the end of 1978 included 17 local groups (A-members) and 1,763 national members (B-members).

UFO-Sveriges Rapportcentral - Field Investigation Activities

The reportcentral followed up on over 200 incoming reports during the year. Approximately 80 percent were dismissed as misinterpretations of known phenomena. Around 40 UFO phenomena remained for investigation, including two humanoid observations from Jämtland and Medelpad.

Training

The Central Group organized a three-day residential training for field researchers from September 8-10. 35 people completed the basic course, and an additional 40 joined the advanced course. This brought the total number of trained and authorized field researchers to 106, with 21 women among them. The training focused on improving investigation and reporting quality by emphasizing the identification of human misinterpretations of known phenomena.

Alarmeringscentral (Alarm Center)

Köpings UFO-förening's phone number (0221/31025) served as a nationwide alarm number for UFO reports. The number was increasingly recognized by the public and was also used by police, airports, and other official bodies. Together with UFO-Sverige's office in Skänninge (0142/44030), these numbers functioned as information channels for media and the public, receiving an average of 25-30 calls per day. The internal UFO-Sverige alarm system, coordinated with similar systems in Denmark and Norway, was used to improve air surveillance of UFO overflights and quickly resolve misinterpretation cases.

Outward Information

UFO-Sverige's activities received significant coverage in newspapers, radio, and television. The Central Group's slide shows were available in 16 information packages, which had been shown to over 50,000 people nationwide. These events often included Q&A sessions and were presented at schools, youth centers, and through organizations like Lions, Rotary, and Round Table. Local UFO-Sverige groups, district managers, and individual members were instrumental in organizing these events. Many municipalities treated these events as cultural activities, providing free meeting spaces and waiving rental fees. Educational organizations also provided financial and practical support. The slide shows were considered the most effective way to spread awareness and generate public opinion. The support fund received 2,227.65 SEK for this outreach work. In the spring, three Norwegian slide films with Norwegian narration were produced for Norsk UFO-Center. The year's major success was a UFO exhibition in Köpings museum, which attracted over ten thousand visitors and was later shown in Kiruna.

Member Magazine

UFO-Sverigeinformation was published 10 times with an edition of approximately 150 copies, intended for local groups, field researchers, and other active members, containing partly confidential material. UFO-Information, the organization's outward-facing organ, had an average circulation of 3,000 copies per issue and was used as promotional material and sent to news outlets. The magazine was produced by the Skänninge group, led by Carl-Axel Jonzon, through volunteer work.

Organization's Economy

Separate financial statements and auditor's reports detailed UFO-Sverige's income and expenses. The support fund ended the year with a seemingly good result, but this was partly due to invoices not yet received. The report suggested that to make the organization more effective, the support fund needed to be further activated, encouraging more members to contribute financially.

Central Group's Economic Commitments

The Central Group's responsibilities involved significant financial commitments. Köpings UFO-förening's expenses for 1978 were 58,656 SEK, covering costs like phone, postage, and advertising, which were separate from the national organization's economy.

Conclusion

1978 was a year of intense activity with satisfactory results. Public attitudes towards UFOs were seen as shifting positively, with new contacts made with opinion leaders, scientists, and defense representatives. UFO-Sverige aimed to elevate the UFO issue to a respected level, distance itself from sensationalism and superstition, combat myths, promote cultural values, and engage youth. The increasing expansion of UFO-Sverige's activities led to more paperwork and bureaucracy, which somewhat hindered the Central Group's work. To avoid further constraints, the Central Group decided not to run for re-election. Köpings UFO-förening would continue to manage the report and alarm center functions and act as the marketing unit, with the goal of changing attitudes towards UFO phenomena. The report expressed optimism for the future and thanked those who contributed during the past year.

Auditor's Report 1978

The auditors, Jörgen Granlie and Ivar Karlsson, reviewed the financial statements for Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige from January 1, 1978, to December 31, 1978. They found all accounts to be correctly kept and supported by proper documentation, recommending that the annual meeting grant the Central Group discharge for the period covered by the report. The report was dated February 18, 1979.

UFO-Sveriges Stödfond (Support Fund) 1978

The fund's balance at the start of 1978 was 674.25 SEK. Gifts received during 1978 amounted to 5,311.00 SEK. Expenditures for outreach activities were 2,227.65 SEK, leaving a balance of 3,757.60 SEK at the end of 1978.

UFO-INFORMATION Financial Statement 1978

Production costs were 51,814.10 SEK, administrative costs were 18,226.71 SEK, and other costs were 5,563.75 SEK, totaling 75,504.56 SEK. Income from fees in 1978 was 74,160.00 SEK, resulting in a loss for the year of 1,344.56 SEK. The balance sheet showed assets of 4,735.01 SEK, including office supplies, inventory, and other assets, against liabilities and equity of 4,735.01 SEK, comprising loans and equity.

UFO-Informations Economy - Commentary

This section provides a commentary on the financial situation of UFO-Information. The publication had a deficit of 1,344 SEK in 1978, an improvement from the previous year's loss. The continued publication is supported by private contributions. The magazine has never been profitable on a purely business basis. For the first four years, the formal accounting showed a break-even, but this masked significant unrecorded costs covered by private individuals. The publication relies heavily on private idealism, with Carl-Axel Jonzon, the founder and former chairman, being thanked for his crucial role in keeping the magazine running and developing its quality and circulation. The recent losses are not seen as a sign of decline but rather as an indication that the actual costs are increasingly being covered by revenue. Prospects for the coming years are viewed as positive, with an anticipated increase in circulation and subscription renewals. However, increased circulation also presents challenges in terms of investment in equipment for production and distribution.

Significant Costs Borne by Private Economy

The 1978 financial loss is not considered alarming in comparison to previous years. For 1979, a significant increase in revenue is projected, partly due to a price increase to 60 SEK per year. A substantial rise in circulation is also expected. While the introduction to 1979 shows promise with high renewal rates, the challenge of increasing circulation requires new investments in equipment. The report highlights that private economy, specifically Jonzon's, continues to cover operational costs not met by UFO-Information's revenue. Expenses for travel, phone, and venue rentals are not fully reimbursed. The increasing complexity of magazine production, driven by the need for better quality and higher circulation, has led to investments in machinery and equipment, valued at approximately 90,000 SEK, which are privately owned by Jonzon but used exclusively for UFO-Information and UFO-Sverige. The depreciation of these assets is borne by Jonzon personally.

UFO-INFORMATION Grew Out of the House

Machines and storage had been housed in Jonzon's private residence. In 1974, the family moved to Skänningegården Lagmansberga, where two smaller farm buildings were renovated to accommodate machines, storage, archives, editorial, and office functions. Investments in these buildings, including materials and installations, amount to approximately 100,000 SEK, in addition to countless hours of work by Jonzon and other volunteers. Rent for these premises has not been charged at its full value. Travel expenses are another area where reimbursement has been insufficient. For Jonzon, these costs are estimated at 500 miles or 3,500 SEK annually. In 1978, he received 400 SEK in travel reimbursement, and no reimbursement was provided in prior years. The report indicates significant financial gaps covered by private contributions. The loans of 3,256 SEK from Jonzon to UFO-Information represent only a fraction of the funds he has invested to create a strong organization and a quality UFO magazine. These loans are viewed as symbolic for future repayment, with no realistic compensation expected. The hope is for a stable economy in the future, allowing the magazine to cover its production costs without relying on the idealism of a few individuals.

Production at the Printer - An Alternative?

The question of outsourcing production to a printing company is addressed. The answer is yes, it would be more expensive and practically impossible to produce UFO-Information through an external printer given the current limited use of machinery and facilities. Annual checks with printing companies have shown that outsourcing would be significantly more costly, even if Jonzon were fully compensated for asset depreciation and other costs. As long as Jonzon bears the actual loss, the magazine can continue in its current format. An increase of about 500 paying subscribers would bring UFO-Information to economic equilibrium, covering its production costs. An additional 1,000-1,200 subscribers would enable production by an external printer. The thousands of unpaid work hours contributed by a few dedicated members are becoming too burdensome to be sustained solely by idealism. Therefore, a goal is set to reach a circulation within a couple of years that would allow production to be outsourced to a printing company.

Humorous Comic Strip

The issue includes a comic strip titled "TRO DET INTE! DET HÄR HAR VI ALDRIG SAGT!" (Don't believe it! We've never said that!). The comic features four men in a humorous scenario, with dialogue that pokes fun at UFO investigations and the organization itself, ending with a playful revelation that they have solved another "mystery."

Psychomotor, Here Again

This section provides a continuation of a previous article on the "psychomotor." It includes a description of the latest variant of the device, which appears to be a simple construction involving a plastic mug and a pin. The article explains how to build two such motors for comparison and details the process of measuring their rotation speed. It encourages users to record their results in provided protocol sheets, which are included in the magazine. The goal is to identify behavioral patterns of the psychomotor and understand the factors influencing its rotation. The protocol sheets have columns for date, time, clockwise/counter-clockwise rotation, and speed in revolutions per minute for both left and right hands. The article notes that two motors can be used simultaneously.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the financial sustainability of UFO-Sverige and its publication, UFO-Information. There is a clear emphasis on the reliance on volunteer work and private funding, coupled with efforts to professionalize the organization and its activities. The editorial stance is one of striving for credibility by distancing itself from sensationalism and focusing on rational investigation and public education. The organization aims to elevate the public perception of UFO phenomena and combat misinformation. The issue also highlights the importance of training and developing a skilled base of field researchers. The financial challenges are presented openly, with a clear goal of achieving self-sufficiency in the future.

This issue of "Intern UFO-Sverigeinformation" from March/April 1979, issue number 11, published by UFO-Sverige, focuses on a variety of topics related to UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and scientific advancements. The cover prominently features an announcement for the "UFO-EXPO" exhibition in Köping, which ran for four months and attracted significant interest.

Articles and Features

UFO-EXPO in Köping

The magazine highlights the "UFO-EXPO" held at Köpings Museum, noting its success in attracting over ten thousand visitors. The exhibition was a collaborative effort involving Köpings UFO-förening, the local Leisure Committee (Fritidsnämden), and the Culture Committee (Kulturnämden). The municipality invested over 50,000 SEK to enhance the exhibition and extend its opening hours. The expo featured new exhibits and daily screenings of a 45-minute film about UFO-Sverige. School classes were advised to contact the Culture Committee for special viewings.

Personal Experiment and Observation

An article by Sten Dramstad from Stockholm describes a personal experiment related to 'direction' and motor function, suggesting a method for users to understand their personal patterns. He encourages readers to submit their results for comparison and potential compilation into future UFO-Sverigeinformation publications.

UFO-Sveriges Riksstämma (Annual Meeting)

Details are provided for the UFO-Sveriges Riksstämma taking place in Köping. The internal proceedings were scheduled to start at 10:00 AM, with external events, including a 25 SEK entrance fee for the public, beginning at 2:00 PM. Information on suitable hotels with parking facilities near the venue is also included.

Debate: The End of the Universe?

A letter to the editor, "DEBATTINLÄGG" (Debate Entry), expresses surprise and criticism towards scientific claims about the universe having an end. The author questions the interpretation of research results, particularly concerning the speed of light and the concept of the universe's boundary. The author then embarks on a metaphorical journey through the universe, describing observations of galaxies, stars, and planets, including a detailed account of encountering a large, glowing object and smaller, orbiting bodies. The narrative touches upon the nature of time, movement, and the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial life.

Reinhold Carleby's Account

Reinhold Carleby reports on a claim by two retired US Air Force colonels who testified under oath about seeing the dead bodies of extraterrestrials recovered from a crashed flying saucer. The bodies were described as being about 1.2 meters long with silver-shimmering skin and metallic clothing. The organization of UFO observers had reportedly demanded access to CIA documents related to such incidents.

Hydrogen Power Breakthrough

An article titled "POLACKER FØRST ATT TÄMJA VÄTEKRAFTEN" (Poles First to Tame Hydrogen Power) discusses a breakthrough in controlled fusion reactions by a Polish research team led by Dr. Sylvester Kaliski. The process, which involves using laser compression and conventional explosives, aims to achieve a net energy gain from fusing light atomic nuclei, similar to the process in the sun. This development is presented as a potential solution to global energy problems, offering a clean and abundant energy source derived from seawater.

UFO-Sverige's Preparedness

Knud Jensen of UFO-gruppen COSMOS, Markaryd, writes about the importance of training field researchers for UFO investigations. He stresses the need for effective methods to gain public trust and handle potential contact with extraterrestrial beings. Jensen calls for a serious and thorough approach to this issue, suggesting that the organization should be prepared for any eventuality, including direct contact.

Local Group Announcements

The "OBS OBS" section serves as a platform for local UFO-Sverige groups to announce their meetings and activities. The editorial team encourages associations to submit their programs and suggests appointing a contact person within each group to facilitate communication with the magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, the potential for extraterrestrial contact, and the exploration of advanced scientific concepts like fusion energy. There is a clear emphasis on preparedness and serious research within the UFO community, as highlighted by Knud Jensen's contribution. The magazine also appears to be a platform for sharing personal experiences and debating scientific claims, as seen in the "DEBATTINLÄGG" section. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and disseminating information on both reported sightings and scientific developments relevant to the field.

This issue of Tranås-Posten, dated Wednesday, January 31, 1979, focuses heavily on the topic of UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects), with a prominent cover story titled "Tranås UFO byggs upp" (Tranås UFO is being built up). The magazine includes local news about the formation of a UFO club in Tranås, as well as international reports on UFO sightings and investigations.

Tranås UFO Club Established

The main local story details the establishment of a UFO club in Tranås. Åke Gustavsson, the chairman of the UFO club, organized a meeting on Tuesday evening at Fritidsgården, with another program scheduled for Thursday evening in Stoeryd's fritidsgård. The article suggests that starting a UFO club doesn't require a formal board; one can begin by simply meeting and discussing the topic, perhaps in a study circle. It advises contacting local authorities for venue and publicity assistance. Gustavsson is described as a field reporter for the UFO-förbundet, tasked with interviewing and analyzing sightings that might be related to 'flying saucers.'

A follow-up article, "Information om 'tefat'" (Information about 'saucers'), announces upcoming meetings in Tranås on January 29th at Folkets Park's Fritidsgård and on January 31st at Stoeryd's fritidsgård. Åke Gustavsson will present a slideshow compiled by the UFO club in Köping, with commentary. The meetings will include Q&A sessions about flying saucers and extraterrestrial beings.

The article "UFO-förening i Tranås" (UFO club in Tranås) reports on the formation of the club on Monday evening. Although a previous club had faded, interest in extraterrestrial phenomena remains strong. Over 40 people attended the initial meeting at Parkhallens fritidsgård. Åke Gustavsson showed a slideshow from Köping's UFO club, followed by a discussion. Some attendees expressed surprise that the Swedish Defence Research Agency (Försvarets forskningsanstalt) might be withholding information about 'foreign objects' in space. Gustavsson stated the club aims to discuss UFOs, foster connections, and organize outings. He hopes members will have a pleasant time together, even if UFOs aren't always observed.

International UFO Reports

Umeå Sighting: The issue includes a report from Västerbottens Folkblad dated January 25, 1979, titled "Flygande tefat i Umeå" (Flying saucer in Umeå). Peter Johansson (10) and Per Pettersson (11) from Umeå claim to have seen a flying saucer. They described it as a round craft with light emanating from the underside, moving slowly and with a gentle swerve. They attempted to photograph it, but the film roll was ruined. Their description was later investigated by Anders Edholm from UFO-Sverige, who suggested it might have been a helicopter but acknowledged the boys were certain of what they saw.

Pentagon Report: A report from Washington, dated January 21, 1979, titled "Jakt-flyg missade UFO" (Fighter jet missed UFO), discusses a lively debate expected after the Pentagon released a report on UFOs. The report details incidents in November 1975 where unidentified low-flying objects were observed near nuclear facilities in Montana, Michigan, and Maine by aircrews, ground personnel, and radar. These objects were described as brightly lit and fast-moving. Fighter jets were deployed but failed to intercept them. The report also mentions a 1976 incident near Tehran where two Iranian F-4 Phantom jets encountered a brightly lit object, causing electronic systems to malfunction.

New Zealand UFO Film: The magazine references a New Zealand Air Force jet being put on standby on New Year's Day 1979 after an Australian TV crew filmed a UFO, which was also detected by radar. The article, referencing an Associated Press telegram, notes that while some experts suggested the filmed object was Venus, the detailed descriptions made this theory seem absurd. Pilot Bill Startup described a bright white light moving around his Argosy aircraft, maintaining a consistent distance and then performing deliberate maneuvers.

Australian Sightings: A brief mention is made of twelve police officers in southeastern Australia reporting a blue, flashing object on January 2, 1979.

London Kite Incident: A humorous report from London details police confusion over how to charge a 'giant kite flyer' named Sam da Vinci. He had tied his silver, glittering kite in Hyde Park, causing traffic jams and accidents. The kite is described as a giant silver cylinder.

Zagreb UFO Encounter: An article titled "Bade besättningen och passagerarna är övertygade: 'Ett flygande tefat flög bredvid vårt jetplan!'" (The entire crew and passengers are convinced: 'A flying saucer flew alongside our jet!') reports on a British Airways TriStar flight from London to Tel Aviv on September 21st. The crew claimed to have been accompanied for fifteen minutes by a 'flaming blue spaceship' with a silver circle, flying at speeds of up to 240 kilometers per hour. The incident is being investigated by British Airways.

Lidköping UFO Sighting: A report from Sundsvalls Tidning dated January 24, 1979, mentions a UFO observed over Lidköping. Four people reported seeing a mysterious object, perceived as a flying body, at an altitude of 60 meters and a distance of 400 meters, emitting a bright light. Police were alerted but arrived too late. The police suggest it might have been a cloud illuminated by light from the ice stadium during a hockey match.

Scientific and Skeptical Perspectives

UFOs Explained: An article from Sydsvenska Dagbladet (January 22, 1979) quotes Per Sjökvist of UFO Sundsvall, stating that 80-85% of UFO reports can be dismissed as identifiable objects. He explains that phenomena like meteors, satellites, stars, and weather balloons can often be mistaken for UFOs. However, the remaining 15-20% lack clear explanations and are often labeled 'flying saucers.'

Theories on Unexplained UFOs: Sjökvist discusses various theories for unexplained UFOs, including extraterrestrial visitors, beings from a past civilization returning, or entities from a parallel world. He also mentions the theory that UFOs might be charging energy from power lines, citing an incident where US military aircraft allegedly chased UFOs near power lines that subsequently went out of service.

Swedish Air Force Stance: An article from Göteborgs-Posten (January 22, 1979) discusses the Swedish Air Force's stance on UFOs following the Pentagon leak. Wing Commander Ulf Björkman of the Air Force Staff's information department states that while there was a reporting requirement for UFO phenomena in the past, it has been abolished. He asserts that no case has been encountered that could not be naturally explained and that the Air Force does not possess any secret UFO information.

Cosmic Gas Clouds: An article from Bbl. 1979-02-01 titled "Okända gaser ändrar vår syn på universum" (Unknown gases change our view of the universe) reports on the discovery by the American satellite Heao-1 of a massive cloud of gas and dust in the universe. Scientists speculate that this cloud could halt the expansion of the universe, potentially leading to a contraction. The satellite also detected numerous sources of X-ray radiation, and the discovery of new 'black holes' is mentioned.

Illusionist Johny Lindell: The issue notes the passing of illusionist Johny Lindell (Zania Zemona) at the age of 56. He had studied parapsychology in India and was interested in UFO issues, giving lectures on the topic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the widespread interest in UFO phenomena, ranging from local community initiatives to international military reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open reporting, presenting both the claims of witnesses and the skeptical or scientific explanations offered by authorities and researchers. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained sightings, the magazine also highlights efforts to provide rational explanations and dismiss hoaxes or misidentifications. There's a clear effort to cover a broad spectrum of UFO-related news, from the mundane to the potentially extraordinary, reflecting a public fascination with the unknown.