IUSI - No 14 1979

Magazine Overview

This is an internal and confidential issue of "INTERN UFO-Sverigeinformation" (Internal UFO-Sweden Information), dated April 9, 1979, and numbered 14. It is published by the National Organization UFO-Sverige and is intended solely for its active members. The content is explicitly forbidden to be shared with third parties.

Editorial and Contact Information

The publication is issued by the National Organization UFO-Sverige. The editorial address is SAT/Mats Nilsson, Östra Thulegatan 43, 733 00 SALA, with a contact telephone number of 0224/17771. Printing and distribution are handled by Leif Andersson, Ryd, 380 60 FÄRJESTADEN (Tel. 0485-373 33). The magazine is published approximately 10 times per year. A subscription costs 40 kronor for a calendar year, payable to postgiro account 35 44 51-7, also managed by Leif Andersson.

Articles and Content

Reflections on UFO Enthusiasts and Public Perception

An article by 'Mats' reflects on individuals associated with UFO login, noting that many make public statements that are often 'scary' and 'self-proclaimed experts with incredible verbosity.' The author expresses hope that UFO-Sverige will avoid association with such individuals. The article notes a positive shift in public perception towards the UFO subject, reflected in increased visitor numbers at UFO-Sverige's events, exhibitions, and lectures.

Change of Address Notification

Readers are urged to immediately report any change of address to Leif Andersson in Färjestaden, as he handles the magazine's distribution. Failure to do so may result in significant delays or non-delivery of the magazine.

Swedish Phone Etiquette and Voicemail

A section addresses the use of voicemail. The author expresses disappointment that many callers hang up when encountering an answering machine, considering it poor phone etiquette. It is clarified that all calls are registered, regardless of whether a message is left. The author hopes for an improvement in Swedish phone culture, stating that answering machines are not inherently dangerous.

UFO-Sverige Exhibition at Tekniska Museet

This section details the conclusion of the UFO-Sverige exhibition at the Technical Museum in Stockholm. The exhibition, part of a school holiday theme, was a collaboration with the Stockholm Observatory, Astronomical Society Pleiaderna, and URD (URD-UFO report and data). Despite initial hesitation from the museum due to the controversial nature of UFOs, the exhibition was deemed a success. It attracted 12,900 visitors over three weeks, with representatives from the museum acknowledging UFO-Sverige's draw. The article highlights a positive change in the museum staff's attitude and praises UFO-Sverige. The Stockholm UFO Association organized two themed evenings at the museum: one on February 28th, featuring speakers Thorvald Berthelsen and Reinhold Carleby, and a final debate on March 9th.

Debates and Panel Discussions

The exhibition also featured debates. One event, organized by the Stockholm UFO Association, included Professor Loden, Docent Göran Henriksson, Professor Clemenson, Docent Eskil Block, and space reporter Eugen Semitjov. UFO-Sverige was represented by Thorvald Berthelsen and Bjarne Håkansson from URD, and Anders Borg from Pleiaderna. This was likely the first time such a panel discussion took place in Stockholm. The themed evenings attracted approximately 250 people each. In contrast, a lecture on sunspots at the Technical Museum the night before the final debate had only one attendee.

Acknowledgements

Christer Nordin of the Stockholm UFO Association thanks individuals who contributed to the exhibition's success, including Per Fork (UFO-Nyköping), Reinhold Carleby (UFO-Ådalen), Jan Eriksen (Västerås Tvärvetenskapliga Förening), Mats and Håkan from SAT/Sala, and Thorvald and Karl-Olov from Köpings UFO-förening.

Training for Field Researchers

An announcement for a training course for field researchers is made. Interested individuals must register with the Köpings UFO-förening by paying 85 kronor per participant two weeks before the course start date on May 19th. The payment should be made to postgiro account 74 51 90-9, with name and address clearly written. The course may be canceled if the number of participants is too low; at the time of printing, only three had registered. The course is held at Lersätersgården near Köping, with accommodation available from Friday, May 18th, and the training running from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon. The minimum age is 15, and completing the course is a requirement to be a field researcher for UFO-Sverige. More details can be found in issue number 13.

Literary Snippets

A section titled "ROMANBLOMMOR" (Novel Flowers) presents humorous linguistic errors found in novels, quoting examples of awkward phrasing and nonsensical statements.

Ancient Mysteries: "FORNTIDA GÅTOR" (Ancient Riddles)

This series explores the idea that ancient civilizations possessed advanced scientific and technical knowledge, challenging conventional historical narratives. It posits that many ancient ideas may have originated from an external, unknown source. The articles highlight impressive ancient structures, writings, and artifacts as evidence of high cultures that have since vanished. The author questions how these were created with primitive means and suggests that modern science often struggles to explain them, sometimes resorting to denial or attributing them to chance or slave labor. The series aims to demonstrate that many modern inventions may have existed much earlier and subsequently fallen into obscurity.

#### The Baghdad Battery

One example discussed is the "Baghdad Battery," discovered in Iraq. These artifacts, dating back to the Sassanid dynasty (around 200 BC to 650 AD), are clay jars containing copper cylinders and iron rods insulated with asphalt, filled with copper sulfate. When filled with water, they could produce an electric current sufficient for electroplating. These were initially misidentified as "cult objects" before their true purpose was understood by engineer Dr. V. König.

"KUGGHJUL?" (Gears?)

This article recounts the discovery of the Antikythera mechanism, a complex device with gears, scales, and axles found in a Greek shipwreck dating to the first century BC. The mechanism, described as having a highly complicated gear train, is believed to have functioned as a differential gear. Its purpose, likely an astronomical calendar, remains a mystery as no similar instruments are mentioned in ancient literature. The article questions how such a sophisticated device could have been created in ancient Greece.

Ancient Astronomy

Evidence of advanced astronomical knowledge in ancient India is presented, with references to Hindu planetary tables dating back to 3100 BC. The article mentions that astronomers in Tiahuanaco possessed elements for modern telescopes, reflectors, mirrors, and lenses. It also cites a Babylonian artifact, a magnifying lens, and notes the Maya civilization's remarkably accurate calculations of the moon's orbital period, which closely match modern astronomical figures. The article questions the source of this advanced knowledge without modern instruments.

Ancient Medicine

The article touches upon ancient Egyptian medical practices, referencing a papyrus from the 11th dynasty that describes the use of a swamp-growing fungus for treating open, festering wounds. It questions whether penicillin-like treatments existed 4000 years before Fleming. It also highlights ancient Indian medical knowledge, including understanding of metabolism, circulation, genetics, and the nervous system, as well as methods to counteract poisonous gases, perform cesarean sections, brain surgery, and use anesthetics.

"FLYG" (Flight)

This section explores ancient concepts of flight, referencing Sanskrit terms like "vimaana viday" (science of building and maneuvering aircraft) and ancient Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These texts describe flying vehicles called "vimaanas" as double-decked, round aircraft with ventilators and domes, capable of flying at 'wind speed' and emitting a 'melodious sound.' The descriptions include details of their appearance, flight capabilities, and how they navigated above the clouds. The article suggests that these ancient accounts point to a sophisticated understanding of aerodynamics and flight technology in antiquity.

Energy Shortage Forecast for 1985

A study by German BP in Hamburg forecasts Western Europe's energy consumption and supply up to the year 2000. The analysis suggests that current energy market structures will persist until the 1980s, after which concentrated energy-saving measures will be necessary, particularly in households. The need to increase nuclear energy output is stressed, with a projected "energy gap" of 10,000 MW in West Germany by 1985 if nuclear power expansion is delayed. Coal is expected to cover one-third of this gap, with oil and natural gas providing the rest.

"LÖGN-DETEKTOR" (Lie Detector)

This section describes a simple "emotion-reaction tester" that can register whether a person is positive or negative towards a question, based on the assumption that lying causes emotional changes. The instrument uses a bridge circuit where the test person's body resistance forms one of the four bridge arms. The circuit amplifies weak resistance changes, which are then displayed on a 1 mA instrument. The article provides a schematic diagram and lists the components needed, including common copper tubes as electrodes and three 9-volt batteries as a power source.

"SÄLLSAM FRUKT" (Strange Fruit)

This short piece recounts a case where William Scharf, who underwent a kidney transplant, had his infected surgical wound treated with strips of paw-paw fruit. The treatment was highly successful, saving his life and promoting new tissue growth. A surgeon, Michael Bewick, commented that the fruit's healing properties are unknown but effective, even surpassing antibiotics in some cases.

Calendar of Events

The issue includes a calendar for April 1979, listing various meetings and events organized by UFO-Sverige local groups, including "Drop - In Kväll" in Köping, meetings in Gävle, Säffle, Enköping, Sundsvall, Västerås, and a UFO-SYD monthly meeting. It also mentions an "OBSERVATIONSUTFLYXKT/Radiosamband" (Observation Excursion/Radio Communication) and advises checking with groups regarding its status.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-Sverigeinformation include the investigation of UFO phenomena, the exploration of ancient technologies and alternative historical perspectives, and the promotion of scientific inquiry and critical thinking within the UFO community. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous investigation, debunking sensationalism, and highlighting the potential for advanced knowledge in ancient civilizations. There is a clear emphasis on disseminating information to members and fostering a sense of community and shared research within UFO-Sverige.

This issue of Ny Teknik, dated April 1979, features a cover story on the cost of building a modern Cheops pyramid, alongside articles on Mars exploration and UFO phenomena. The magazine includes a calendar section for April and May 1979, listing various meetings and events, many related to UFOs.

Cheops Pyramid Construction Cost

The lead article, "Bygg din egen Cheops!" (Build your own Cheops!), explores the feasibility and cost of constructing a modern replica of the Cheops pyramid. Ny Teknik commissioned a study from the consulting firm VBB Vattenbyggnadsbyrån. They estimated that a basic modern version could cost 600 million SEK, while a construction using ancient methods with modern labor costs could reach 4 billion SEK. The article details different construction scenarios, including using concrete structures and modern machinery, while acknowledging the historical methods of using ramps and transporting large stone blocks.

Mars Exploration and Characteristics

An extensive article titled "TVILLING-PLANET." (Twin Planet.) delves into the planet Mars. It discusses how Mars has long captured human imagination, with early observations of what appeared to be canals fueling speculation about Martian inhabitants. However, the Viking probes' expedition has largely debunked these romantic notions. The article highlights that Mars has a thin atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide, a harsh climate with temperatures averaging -70°C, and frequent dust storms. Despite the lack of life, the probes have provided revolutionary data about the planet's geology, revealing evidence of ancient riverbeds, canyons, and volcanic activity, including Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system. The article also touches upon the polar ice caps, which are composed of water ice and frozen carbon dioxide.

UFO Phenomena and Organizations

The magazine features several articles related to UFOs. One report discusses a "tefatsobservation" (saucer observation) made by contracting priest Yngve Ahlberg in Traryd in December 1954. Knud Jensen, secretary of the UFO group Cosmos in Markaryd, expresses his belief in the existence of extraterrestrial objects, citing the vastness of the universe and the probability of other life. He also mentions the phenomenon of 'bluff' photographs and the growing public interest in UFOs, partly attributed to the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

Another section introduces the UFO-Z organization in Östersund, founded in March 1978. The group, which started with 12 members and grew to about 25, holds monthly meetings and discusses UFOs, parapsychology, and psychobiofysics. They aim to recruit more members, find a permanent location, and educate the public. The article also notes the increasing acceptance of UFO phenomena, with public attitudes shifting from ridicule to genuine interest.

There's also a personal account from Reinhold Carlerby in Sollefteå, who expresses a desire for peace and shared interest in studying UFOs, lamenting the difficulty in finding like-minded individuals.

Other Content

The issue includes a calendar listing events for April and May 1979, with various meetings and activities, including UFO-related gatherings in towns like Västerås, Gävle, Säffle, Enköping, Ludvika, and Nyköping. There is also a brief mention of a Polish electrical engineer, Wieslaw Bozym, claiming to receive signals from a non-terrestrial spacecraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores scientific advancements and speculative topics, particularly in astronomy and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. There's a clear interest in documenting UFO sightings and the activities of UFO research groups in Sweden. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, presenting information and theories without necessarily endorsing them as absolute fact, while encouraging public interest and participation in these subjects. The publication also touches upon historical and engineering topics, as seen in the article about the Cheops pyramid.

This issue of FIB/AKTUELLT, dated 9/79, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, featuring a cover story about a young photographer's alleged UFO pictures, a detailed account of a claimed alien abduction, and reports on UFO sightings in various locations.

Cover Story: Stockholm Teen's UFO Photos Declared Authentic (Initially)

The main cover story, "Experten om stockholmsgrabbens UFO-bilder: Det är ett äkta flygande tefat!" (The Expert on the Stockholm Kid's UFO Pictures: It's a Real Flying Saucer!), introduces 16-year-old Ulf Warncke from Stockholm. Warncke claims to have photographed a flying saucer in November 1978. He describes hearing a whistling sound and seeing a bright, oval object. He managed to capture several photos before the object disappeared.

An expert, Boris Jungkvist, head of Häggviks Ufologiska Forskningscenter and a UFO researcher for over 25 years, initially analyzed the photos. His preliminary analysis suggested the photos were authentic and not a copy or trick. He estimated the object's diameter to be around 10 meters and stated it was clearly not a conventional object, with a shape consistent with classic UFO exteriors. Jungkvist's statement is quoted: "Enligt min preliminära analys verkar det röra sig om ett autentiskt foto av ett UFO" (According to my preliminary analysis, it appears to be an authentic photo of a UFO).

However, the article on page 2 reveals the truth: "Men Ulf bluffade! 'Tefaten' var bara plasttallrikar" (But Ulf bluffed! 'The Saucers' were just plastic plates). Ulf Warncke confessed that he had faked the photos by gluing two plastic plates together and hanging them on a nylon thread in his window. He used a cheap "spy camera" to take the pictures. Warncke explained his motive was to show how easy it is to fool people and to demonstrate the effectiveness of a good forgery. He sent the pictures to FIB-aktuellt to see how they would react.

The Carl Higdon Alien Abduction Case

Another significant article, "Jag kidnappades av varelser från rymden!" (I was kidnapped by beings from space!), details the extraordinary claims of Carl Higdon, a 45-year-old oil worker from Rawlins, Wyoming. Higdon alleges that on October 25, 1974, he was abducted by aliens from a remote area while hunting. He describes encountering a tall, thin being in a black suit, who communicated with him in English and invited him aboard a spacecraft made of transparent material.

Higdon claims he was taken to an alien planet and underwent an examination. The alien, named Ausso, told him he visited Earth regularly for hunting and other purposes. Higdon's truck was mysteriously moved about 2.5 kilometers from where he left it, with its wheels deeply embedded in mud, a fact that investigators found puzzling.

Higdon was examined by doctors and psychologists. Dr. Russ Tongco found no physical injuries but noted temporary memory loss. Psychologist Dr. Leo Sprinkle believed Higdon was telling the truth, stating he couldn't find any other explanation for his story. Later, in 1978, Higdon underwent hypnosis with Dr. Ira A Greenberg, who also concluded that Higdon was honest and had likely experienced these events.

UFO Sightings in New Zealand and Australia

An article titled "Flygande tefat filmat – följde flygplan och syntes på radarn" (Flying Saucer Filmed – Followed Plane and Was Seen on Radar) reports on an incident in New Zealand on New Year's Day 1979. An Australian TV crew filmed a UFO near Kaikoura, and at the same time, an unknown radar blip appeared on air traffic control screens in Wellington. The Royal New Zealand Air Force scrambled a Skyhawk jet fighter to investigate.

Captain Bill Startup, the pilot of the TV team's Argosy plane, described seeing a bright light moving erratically relative to his aircraft. However, an ocean expert, Mabin, suggested that the phenomenon was likely the planet Venus, which was exceptionally bright at the time, and that its apparent movement could be due to atmospheric conditions and distance.

UFO Discussions and Research Groups

"Tefat upptog lorderna" (Saucers Occupied the Lords) discusses a debate in the British House of Lords regarding the possibility of alien invasions. Lord Clancarty proposed that governments should cooperate and share observations of flying saucers. While most lords agreed on the need for vigilance, the conservative Lord Trefgarne dismissed the idea of a study group as a waste of public funds.

Another article, "- javisst, men det finns mer!" (- yes, but there's more!), introduces the newly formed UFO-forening in Karlskoga, Sweden. Owe Lewitzki, the chairman, clarifies that UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) is not synonymous with "flying saucer." The group plans to engage in astronomical observations, track space projects, collect interviews, and research local newspaper archives. They also mention an incident where a motorist reported a dark object near Karlskoga.

Other Articles

There are several shorter articles in the issue:

• "Är det Venus?" (Is it Venus?): A brief piece questioning whether the New Zealand UFO sighting was actually Venus, citing expert opinion.
• "Nessie" kommer 1 maj 1981! (Nessie will come May 1, 1981!): A speculative piece about the Loch Ness Monster, linking its potential appearance to the completion of a bridge and the draining of the river, referencing a 17th-century prophecy.
• Har ryssarna funnit Atlantis? (Have the Russians found Atlantis?): Reports that Soviet scientists have taken photographs that may prove the existence of the sunken continent of Atlantis.
• Jättelikt svart hål upptäckt (Giant black hole discovered): Astronomers in Australia have discovered a massive black hole that is consuming a star weekly.
• Grattis, rymdkapare, – sikta på Stockholm och träffa Göteborg! (Congratulations, space travelers, aim for Stockholm and meet Gothenburg!): A humorous piece questioning the navigational accuracy of aliens depicted in Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," noting discrepancies in the coordinates provided.
• Fossil anmoder funnen (Fossil ancestor found): An article about the discovery of a 3-million-year-old fossil skeleton in Ethiopia by anthropologist Dr. Donald Johanson, potentially representing an early human ancestor, nicknamed "Lucy."
• Gammal vävstuga hamnar på fäbod i Junsele (Old weaving shed ends up at a mountain farm in Junsele): A report on the preservation and relocation of a historic 18th-century weaving shed from Sollefteå to Junsele.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, including UFOs, alleged alien encounters, and mysteries like the Loch Ness Monster and Atlantis. There's a clear interest in presenting eyewitness accounts and expert opinions, though the issue also demonstrates a willingness to debunk hoaxes, as seen with the Ulf Warncke case. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various claims and evidence while also acknowledging skepticism and the possibility of misidentification or fabrication. The inclusion of diverse topics, from UFOs to paleontology and historical preservation, suggests a broad interest in the unusual and unexplained.