IUSI - No 35 1981

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Sverige Information, number 35, is a Swedish publication focusing on various intriguing and often speculative topics. The cover features a prominent illustration of a UFO and the title "INTERN UFO - SVERIGE INFORMATION". The content spans a wide range of subjects, from psychological phenomena like dreams to scientific investigations into cryptids, and technological advancements in energy storage.

Dreams: Flying and Falling

The issue delves into the common human experience of dreams, particularly those involving falling and flying. It explores potential origins for these dreams, referencing psychological theories by Sigmund Freud and evolutionary perspectives suggesting they might be ancient inherited memories from our ancestors. Freud's theories link falling dreams to erotic temptations or childhood experiences of being lifted by parents. The article also considers the sensation of weightlessness experienced by astronauts as a possible parallel to flying dreams. A more mundane explanation suggests that the feeling of falling or flying in dreams stems from the lack of physical support in bed.

Doomsday Prophecies and Cosmic Threats

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to 'end of the world' scenarios and cosmic threats. It recounts historical instances of doomsday predictions, including fears of asteroid impacts like the near-miss of Ikaros in 1968 and the Tunguska event in 1908. The issue also touches upon religious doomsday cults and their prophecies, such as the Korpela sect in Sweden and John A. Mikkelsen's predictions in Denmark. It discusses the potential threat of nuclear war and the concept of a 'mini-ice age' potentially accelerated by industrial pollution. The sun's lifecycle and its eventual demise are also mentioned as a long-term cosmic threat.

The Yeti: Soviet Investigations

This section reports on Soviet scientific expeditions in the Pamir region, bordering China and Tibet, investigating the existence of the 'Snowman' or Yeti. Scientists claim to have seen glimpses of the creature, described as a large, hairy being related to Neanderthals. Local inhabitants have also reported encounters, describing enormous footprints and sightings of the elusive creature fleeing. The researchers express confidence in solving the mystery of the Yeti, aiming to capture one in a future expedition, while assuring ethical treatment.

Private Space Travel: Robert Truax

The magazine features Robert Truax from Saratoga, California, who is developing a private space rocket. He has tested a rocket engine and is preparing to send the first private astronaut into space. Truax acquired rocket engines from the 1950s for a fraction of their original cost, and has received numerous volunteer applications for the space journey.

Innovative Energy Storage: The Flywheel

Dr. Alan Millner, a researcher in Nebraska, USA, has developed a prototype for a future home energy storage system using a large flywheel. This technology aims to overcome the limitations of traditional energy storage by minimizing friction through electromagnetic fields and operating in a vacuum. The system can store and release energy efficiently, potentially offering a more sustainable alternative to batteries. The article highlights its mechanical advantages, such as being maintenance-free and its potential cost-effectiveness compared to conventional battery systems.

Animal Behavior: Rhesus Monkeys

An article explores the surprising social behavior of rhesus monkeys, specifically their innate ability to recognize relatives. Zoologists H. Wu and G. Sackett conducted experiments showing that rhesus monkeys could identify half-siblings they had never encountered before, suggesting a genetic or inherited recognition mechanism beyond learned cues like scent or sound.

Other Noteworthy Items

Other brief mentions include an article about a pet boa constrictor named Ding-Dong owned by the Lindström family, and a discussion on the scientific measurement of dream duration, refuting the idea that dreams occur instantaneously.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the unknown, whether it be in the realm of dreams, the cosmos, or undiscovered creatures like the Yeti. There's a blend of scientific inquiry, psychological speculation, and a fascination with potential future scenarios, including both apocalyptic threats and technological advancements. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various theories and findings without necessarily endorsing any single one, while maintaining a generally cautious and informative tone.

This issue of the magazine, titled 'UT I RYMDEN MED KUNG MINOS DOTTER' (Into Space with King Minos' Daughter), delves into two primary, seemingly disparate, topics: space exploration, specifically the European Space Agency's (ESA) Ariane rocket program, and the ancient practice of acupuncture.

The Ariane Rocket Program

The article introduces the Ariane rocket as Europe's strong entry into space exploration, aiming to compete with the USA and Soviet Union. ESA, formed in 1975, is a collaborative effort of ten European nations, with France contributing 62% of the project's cost and dominating its operations. Other significant contributors include West Germany, Italy, and England, with smaller states like Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Holland, Spain, Switzerland, and Sweden providing funds and technology.

The name 'Ariane' is derived from the Greek myth of King Minos' daughter, Ariadne, who aided the hero Theseus in the Labyrinth. The rocket itself is described as a large, heavy vehicle, measuring 47 meters tall and weighing 207 tons at launch, surpassing the capacity of Soviet C-1 Kosmos and US Atlas Centaur rockets.

Technologically, Ariane benefits from Soviet and American space research and is a three-stage rocket. The first stage features four Viking-V rocket engines using UDMH fuel and N204 oxidizer. The second stage has one Viking-IV engine, using the same fuel combination. The third stage utilizes liquid hydrogen and oxygen. The rocket's upper section houses guidance equipment and computers, with the payload at the very top.

The launch site is in Kourou, French Guiana, chosen for its proximity to the equator, which aids launches due to Earth's rotation. The first test launch on December 24, 1979, was a success, with the rymdcentral (space center) in Darmstadt, West Germany, managing control. However, the second attempt on May 23, 1980, was a failure, causing a significant delay. Sweden contributes about 1% to ESA's Ariane budget and its Spacelab project, though Sweden is not participating in the US Space Shuttle program.

Swedish industry plays a crucial role in the Ariane project. Volvo Flygmotor manufactures the combustion chambers and nozzles for the Viking V-motors, while SAAB-Scania developed the 'brain' of Ariane – the Minidator OBC-AR, which handles communication with ground control and navigation during flight.

Unusual Natural Phenomena

Bird Mass Suicides in India

An intriguing report details a phenomenon in the village of Jatinga, Assam, India, where birds commit 'mass suicide' on stormy, rainy nights. Attracted by torchlight and other ground lights, the birds fly down towards the village and do not attempt to escape. Local villagers consider this a divine favor and consume the birds. Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India have studied this, but the exact cause remains unclear. It appears to be linked to specific weather conditions and occurs within a limited area.

Electrical Currents in Alaskan Oil Pipelines

Alaska's oil pipelines exhibit unexpected properties, described as 'giant electrical cables.' Large amounts of electrical current have been detected within them, possibly induced by variations in the Earth's magnetic field. Currents exceeding 50 amperes have been measured, with expectations of reaching 1000 amperes. The main concerns are accelerated metal rusting and potential interference with the pipelines' electronic monitoring systems.

Natural Medicine and Acupuncture

The Nature of Natural Remedies

The magazine questions the reliability of natural medicines, defining 'drugs' as natural products processed into medicines. These originate from minerals, animals, and plants, with plant-based remedies being most significant. Natural remedies can prevent, cure, or alleviate illness. Examples include Vitamin C from barberries for scurvy, antibiotics like penicillin (produced by mold), and allicin from garlic.

Heart-strengthening drugs like digitalis (from foxglove) and sedatives like oleander are also discussed. Soothing remedies include marshmallow, mallow, and plantain, used for respiratory and digestive issues. Bitter herbs like waterclover and gentian stimulate digestion. The article mentions 'Hjärnes testementes droppar' and 'Gallstensdroppar' as examples of traditional Swedish remedies.

The Mystery of Acupuncture

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to acupuncture, a Chinese anesthetic technique. The author recounts a personal experience of surgery without Western anesthesia, relying solely on acupuncture. While Western doctors admit they don't understand the physiological mechanism behind acupuncture's pain-blocking effect, they acknowledge its effectiveness. The practice involves inserting needles into specific points, sometimes with electrical stimulation, rendering patients insensitive to pain during procedures.

Chinese medical professionals state that acupuncture is simple, requires minimal equipment, and can be used in remote areas and for accident cases, avoiding the side effects of Western anesthetics. Approximately 90% of patients respond positively to acupuncture, similar to hypnosis.

The history of acupuncture is traced back to ancient China, where it was used for healing. The concept of using it for anesthesia emerged later. It faced suppression in the early 20th century but was revived and promoted by Mao Tse Tung, becoming strongly associated with his name and the Cultural Revolution.

Swedish experts, like Docent Basil Finer, admit that Western medicine lacks an explanation for how acupuncture works, referring to the 'jing-go-system' as a traditional explanation outside the nervous system. The effectiveness of acupuncture is questioned by some, with theories suggesting it might be related to hypnosis or a 'gate control' mechanism in the spinal cord that blocks pain signals.

Regulation and Research

Legislation regarding acupuncture varies. In Sweden, mistletoe extracts can be sold as 'mistel extract' but cannot be marketed for cancer treatment without scientific proof. The article notes that some drugs gain popularity based on theoretical reasoning (analogy or signature theory) rather than documented effects, citing mistletoe and birch fungus as examples used in cancer treatments in Europe and Russia.

Other Topics

Human Sacrifice on Crete

Archaeological excavations on Crete have uncovered the skeleton of a young man believed to have been sacrificed over 3000 years ago. This is presented as the first scientific evidence of human sacrifice in the prehistoric Aegean region, with a bronze knife found alongside the skeleton.

Waste as Fuel in Japan

Japanese households generate 39 million tons of waste annually. If all this waste were incinerated, it could provide enough energy to generate 10% of the country's electricity. Several major Japanese cities already utilize waste-to-energy plants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine presents a blend of scientific exploration, historical accounts, and explorations of alternative practices. There's a clear interest in technological advancements, particularly in space, and a curiosity about phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, such as the bird suicides and acupuncture. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these diverse topics, posing questions about their mechanisms and reliability, especially concerning natural remedies and acupuncture, while acknowledging their effectiveness and historical significance. The magazine encourages critical thinking by questioning the source and manufacturing of remedies rather than just the remedies themselves.

This document is page 20 of a magazine, featuring an article titled "VULKANUTBROTTET PÅ MARTINIQUE." (The Volcanic Eruption on Martinique).

The Volcanic Eruption on Martinique

The article begins by referencing the most famous volcanic eruption, that of Vesuvius in 79 AD, which buried Pompeii and Herculaneum in ash and lava. It then moves to the Krakatoa catastrophe in August 1883, which occurred in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. This eruption caused a tidal wave that swept across the Pacific Ocean and sent ash high into the atmosphere for years, resulting in 36,000 deaths and peculiar atmospheric phenomena.

However, the article highlights the Martinique catastrophe as more localized but particularly chilling. The volcano, Mont Pelé, had been dormant for fifty years but showed signs of awakening in April 1902. The city of Saint Pierre, located eight kilometers from the volcano, was caught unaware on the morning of May 8, 1902. A gas cloud erupted from the mountain, accompanied by a tremendous roar and large rock fragments. This gas cloud, estimated to have traveled at approximately 400 km/h, reached Saint Pierre in minutes. Its intense heat ignited and carbonized everything flammable, leaving the city and its over 30,000 inhabitants as charred remains. The article notes that the sky cleared after an hour, with the sun shining on the destroyed city and its victims. It is mentioned that the only survivor was a prisoner held in a basement deep underground.

Eyewitness accounts from ships anchored offshore, some of which managed to escape the disaster, provided evidence for the event.

The article describes the phenomenon as a peculiar natural event. Within the crater, a lava plug of partially solidified, highly viscous andesite was present. This is the same volcanic mineral found in Sweden, known as 'delenit,' particularly around the extinct Dellensjöarna craters in Hälsingland. Due to a continuous supply of new material from below, this andesite column slowly rose. The eruption on May 8th involved a gas cloud at 800 degrees Celsius that moved horizontally, pushing under this massive plug and ejecting ash and lava bombs.

This unique lava column in the crater continued to rise for several months, reaching a height of about 700 meters by May 1903. In its early stages, the column swayed precariously on its unstable base, and its sides experienced collapses. The column has since solidified, but the mountain remains a dangerous neighbor.

The article cites "Bara fem minuter" by Sten Söderberg as a source, and "Allers" by Sven Anér is also mentioned in relation to a preceding, unrelated paragraph about acupuncture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on dramatic natural events and historical disasters, particularly volcanic eruptions. The editorial stance seems to be one of informative reporting, presenting factual accounts of these phenomena and their impact on human life and geography. There's an emphasis on the scientific aspects, such as the speed and nature of volcanic phenomena, and comparisons between different historical events. The inclusion of geological details, like the andesite lava plug and its connection to Swedish geology, suggests an interest in the scientific underpinnings of these events. The overall tone is serious and factual, aiming to educate the reader about significant natural occurrences.