IUSI - No 41 1982

Magazine Overview

This issue of INTERN UFO - SVERIGE INFORMATION, identified as NR:41, is published by RIKSORGANISATINEN UFO - SVERIGE. The editorial address is provided as BO ROSLIND, VÄSTMANNAVÄGEN 2A, 73400 HALLSTAHAMMAR, with a contact telephone number of 0220 - 11578. The publication comes out 8 times per year, with a subscription costing 40 Kronor for a calendar year, payable via Postgiro account 11 16 52 - 4 to HALLSTAHAMMARS UFO-FÖRENING. The cover features a stylized illustration of a flying saucer.

Editorial and Publication Status

An editorial piece, signed by Bosse, addresses the significant delays in the magazine's publication schedule, noting that only three issues have been released so far in the year. The primary reasons cited for these delays are the extensive workload of the SALAGRUPPEN, which handles UFO-Sverige activities, printing, and distribution. Furthermore, printing costs have escalated, with each issue costing approximately 700 Kronor to print, leading to a total printing cost of 5600 Kronor for 8 issues, plus additional expenses for postage and envelopes. Subscription income has reached 4000 Kronor, resulting in a deficit of 1600 Kronor solely on the printing side. The magazine is currently being supported by contributions from UFO-Sverige. The editor expresses concern that the magazine may cease publication at the end of the year, as no other organization is willing to take over the editorial responsibilities. Bosse suggests that it would be more beneficial to focus resources on keeping the magazine alive rather than working on local publications. The editorial also congratulates Sture Blomén for winning the cassette radio prize in the lottery for the second consecutive year. A planning conference in Sala, attended by about 25 interested individuals, discussed whether UFO-Sverige should utilize data processing for incoming reports and how this could be implemented.

Solar-Powered Radio Station

A brief report details a solar-powered radio station in Ohio, USA, which is the first commercial application of solar energy for such a purpose in the United States. The station utilizes over 33,000 solar cells, each about 8 cm in diameter, spread across a 1,300 square meter lawn. The system is designed to capture solar energy efficiently. Even on cloudy days, the system generates enough energy to charge batteries, allowing the station to operate for nearly two days. However, during rainy days or dense fog, the energy generation may be insufficient.

Are There No More Discoveries for Explorers?

This article, attributed to Sten Söderberg, explores the concept of discovery in the modern era. While acknowledging that countless discoveries remain to be made in various fields, such as energy, medicine, and fundamental physics, the author notes that the Earth's surface has been extensively explored. The article then shifts focus to geophysics, emphasizing the potential for deeper understanding of our planet by exploring its interior, specifically the Earth's mantle, which remains largely unknown. The "Mohole" project, an attempt to reach the Earth's crust-mantle boundary in the Pacific Ocean, is mentioned as an example of ambitious geophysical research requiring significant resources. The author also highlights the importance of predicting earthquakes, noting that while dangerous zones are identified, a reliable warning system is still lacking. Volcanism is another area of study, with ongoing monitoring of volcanoes like Etna and those in Iceland, Hawaii, and other regions. The challenge lies in accurately predicting eruptions, as demonstrated by the false alarm in the Caribbean in 1976, which led to an evacuation but no eruption, potentially increasing fatalism. The article also touches upon the devastating impact of hurricanes, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico and Bangladesh, and the need for better prediction to mitigate damage. The author concludes that while space exploration is advancing, understanding our own planet, including its atmosphere and the ozone layer, is of greater immediate importance.

The Anjikuni Mystery: 30 Families Vanish Without a Trace

This section details the perplexing disappearance of 30 families, comprising men, women, and children, from the small village of Anjikuni in northern Canada in November 1930. The story is recounted through the experience of fur trapper Joe Labelle. Upon arriving in the village, Labelle was struck by the unusual silence; the usual greetings and dog barks were absent. He found the village deserted, with homes left as if the inhabitants had just stepped out. The kayaks were pulled ashore, and the skins covering the huts were flapping in the wind. Labelle's calls for a response went unanswered. He reported his findings to the police, leading to a large-scale investigation by the military and police. The investigation found no signs of struggle or forced removal. Seven dogs were found tied up and had starved to death. Most disturbingly, the Eskimo burial grounds were found open, with the bodies removed, but the stones carefully restacked. Analysis of food in the cooking pots indicated that the village had been abandoned approximately two months prior, around September. The case remains unsolved, with authorities reportedly considering the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement, citing reports of mysterious light phenomena in Canada around the same time that bore similarities to later UFO sightings.

Ancient Fossils Reveal Early Life

This article discusses a significant discovery by a young American researcher who found evidence suggesting that life processes on Earth 3 billion years ago shared the same chemical basis as today. In mineral samples from South Africa, dated at 3.1 billion years old, fossilized algae and bacteria were found, along with traces of 22 different amino acids. Amino acids are crucial for building proteins. Researchers at Ames Research Center in California, led by paleobotanist Dr. William Schopf, believe this discovery confirms that life processes existed 3 billion years ago. Biochemist Keith Kvenvolden stated that the findings definitively show that the life processes known today existed 3 billion years ago. While they cannot confirm if this chemical process involving amino acids is the only way life can arise, they suggest it's a possibility for life on other planets. The article also mentions John Oro's earlier findings of compounds in similar mineral samples that suggest photosynthesis may have occurred as far back as that period. Experiments by Clifford Matthews and Robert Moser in St. Louis, which produced amino acids by exposing a mixture of methane and ammonia to electrical bombardment, are also cited as attempts to replicate early life-forming processes.

The Caspian Sea "Leak" Sealed

This report details the sealing of a significant "leak" from the Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland body of water, located between the Soviet Union and Iran. Over the past 50 years, the Caspian Sea's water level has dropped by 2 meters, negatively impacting fishing and shipping. A portion of this water loss was attributed to a "leak" on the eastern side, where water flowed into a natural bay, approximately 18,000 square kilometers in size, which was lower than the main sea. Water evaporating in this shallower bay contributed to the overall water loss. Russian engineers have now completed a 550-meter-long dam to seal off this bay from the Caspian Sea. The dam is 75 meters wide at its base and 6 meters high, and includes locks to regulate water flow.

Geothermal Water in Siberia

A hydrological expedition is investigating underground geothermal water resources in the regions of Eastern Siberia and the Far East where the 350-kilometer-long Baikal-Amur Railway is being built. In many mountain valleys, springs with water up to 100 degrees Celsius have been found. This water is intended for heating homes and greenhouses, and geothermal power plants are also planned. The climate in the area is harsh, making the underground hot water particularly valuable. Approximately 60 new cities and towns are planned along the railway.

The Sungir Find: Ice Age Humans

This section focuses on significant archaeological discoveries in the Soviet Union, particularly at Sungir, about 20 miles east of Moscow. The findings at Sungir are estimated to be around 25,000 years old and have allowed researchers to reconstruct the oldest known clothing. The people of Sungir are described as having a highly developed culture despite living during an Ice Age. The excavations are led by Professor Otto Bader. A key discovery was made by a man who found a mammoth bone near the Sungir River. This led to an expedition by the Soviet Academy of Sciences, involving archaeologists, paleontologists, paleobotanists, and geologists.

The Sungir Man

After seven years of excavation, the first significant result came in 1964 with the discovery of a burial site containing the skeleton of a tall man, estimated to be 55-65 years old. This age was considered remarkable, as the average lifespan in the Stone Age was believed to be 20-25 years. The skeleton was found in a shallow grave, which had been preserved by permafrost. The grave contained a wealth of artifacts, including approximately 3,500 "beads" made from mammoth ivory, believed to have been sewn onto clothing. This discovery enabled researchers to reconstruct the oldest known clothing, which resembles that worn by some people in polar regions today. The location near the ice sheet explains the similarities.

Double Grave

Further excavations revealed two objects made of mammoth ivory: a bone disc and a carved horse figure with drilled holes, likely used as amulets. The arrangement of the holes on the disc suggested that these ancient people could count. In a double grave discovered in 1969, two skeletons, identified as a boy and a girl aged 8-9 and 12-13 years old, were found. The grave was marked by red ochre, a symbol of lifeblood. The skeletons were accompanied by mammoth ivory beads, arranged similarly to those found on the Sungir Man, suggesting they were also sewn onto clothing. The children were likely dressed in skin blouses, trousers, and boots, with bone needles to hold fur cloaks together. Rings and bracelets made of mammoth ivory were also found on their fingers and wrists, marking the first time such items were found in a grave from the older Stone Age. The discovery of two spears made of mammoth ivory, which were unusually straight despite the natural curve of mammoth tusks, also indicated advanced craftsmanship.

Cultural Objects and Jewelry

The artifacts found at Sungir are considered unique within European art, predating famous Stone Age sites like Mezin, Kostenki, and Malta. Similarities have been noted between Sungir and Kostenki, including the triple row of mammoth ivory beads found on the Sungir Man and similar necklaces found in Ukraine. A double statuette made of mammoth ivory from an older settlement near the Don River is also mentioned, showing two figures joined head-to-head. The double grave at Sungir, where the children were buried in a similar manner to the statuette, suggests a possible cultic practice or migration of people from the Sungir tribe to the Don region.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of INTERN UFO - SVERIGE INFORMATION covers a range of topics, from the practical challenges of publishing a UFO magazine to ancient mysteries and scientific discoveries. The editorial stance, as expressed by "Bosse," highlights the financial difficulties and the potential threat of the magazine ceasing publication, emphasizing the importance of maintaining such a publication. The inclusion of the Anjikuni mystery, a classic UFO-related case, alongside articles on geophysics and archaeology, suggests a broad interest in unexplained phenomena and human history. The scientific articles on amino acids and ancient life, as well as the detailed account of the Sungir findings, indicate a commitment to exploring evidence-based discoveries, even when they relate to ancient human capabilities and origins. The magazine appears to aim for a readership interested in both the unexplained and in scientific and historical research, bridging the gap between the two.

This issue of "Forskning och Framsteg" (Research and Progress), dated July 1975, delves into a diverse range of scientific topics, from ancient human settlements and parapsychology to oceanography and paleontology. The magazine aims to provide its readers with accessible explanations of complex subjects.

Sungir: A Glimpse into the Ice Age

The issue highlights the significance of the Sungir findings, an archaeological site in Russia. The remains and artifacts discovered there are estimated to be 25,000 years old, dating back to the last Ice Age. The article discusses the challenges in determining the exact age due to geological changes in the soil layers. The environment at Sungir during that period was arctic, with sparse vegetation and large mammals like reindeer and mammoths. The findings are particularly noteworthy for the elaborate burial equipment found with some individuals, suggesting a level of social stratification and status symbols, even for children. This challenges the notion of egalitarian societies during that era.

The Man Who Makes Objects Float

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the parapsychological experiments conducted with Boris Ermolayav, a Soviet individual claimed to possess the ability to make objects levitate. Professor Veyamin Pushkin of Moscow University led extensive, strictly controlled experiments. Ermolayav reportedly could make objects float by concentrating his mental energy. The article details specific experiments, such as making a matchbox hover in the air and a plate levitate for nearly twenty seconds. Despite the remarkable claims, scientists like Viktor Adamenko from the Russian Academy of Sciences admit to having no explanation for these phenomena. The article suggests that Ermolayav might be creating a magnetic field through intense mental focus. Further medical examinations were planned for him.

Oceanography: The Physics of the Sea

This section provides a foundational understanding of ocean physics, covering salinity, temperature, and density. The Earth's water layer is described as thin relative to its circumference. The article explains how salinity and temperature affect water density, which in turn influences ocean currents. It details the variation in surface temperatures from near-freezing at high latitudes to 25-30°C near the equator. Average ocean salinity is around 3.5%, with variations based on evaporation, precipitation, and depth. The concept of density is crucial for understanding ocean movements, with potential density being a key factor. The article also touches upon heat transport in the ocean, driven by currents, convection, and diffusion, which moderates global temperature differences.

Advection and Diffusion in Ocean Currents

Ocean currents are primarily driven by wind friction and horizontal pressure gradients. The Coriolis effect plays a significant role, causing currents to deflect. The article explains geostrophic balance, where the pressure gradient force is balanced by the Coriolis effect. Wind-driven currents are limited to a surface layer of a few tens of meters, but indirect wind-generated currents can reach much greater depths. Turbulence is described as a key factor in mixing ocean water, facilitating the transport of salt and heat. Diffusion, especially horizontal diffusion, is highlighted as a rapid process for mixing water layers, exemplified by the Gulf Stream's turbulent eddies.

Convection in the Oceans

Convection, the vertical movement of water, occurs in oceans, though less frequently than in lakes. In certain areas like the Norwegian Sea and near Antarctica, surface water becomes dense enough to sink, ventilating deep ocean layers. The article notes that the Atlantic Ocean is the best-ventilated, while the North Pacific is the least. Deep water circulation is a slow process, with an estimated exchange time of 1,000 years. Heat transport from the equator to the poles involves surface currents, horizontal diffusion, and deep water upwelling and sinking.

Dinosaur Extinction Theories

The issue presents a theory regarding the extinction of dinosaurs, proposing that a massive meteorite or comet impact 65 million years ago caused a global dust cloud, leading to a prolonged period of darkness and cold. This dramatic event, according to Walter Alvarez and his colleagues, disrupted food chains and led to the demise of dinosaurs. However, a counter-argument is presented by botanist Lee Hickey, who suggests a more gradual extinction process. Hickey's research indicates that plant and animal life declined over a longer period, possibly due to a slow cooling of the Earth's climate, rather than a single catastrophic event.

Bog Bodies of Denmark

This section details the discovery of ancient human remains, known as bog bodies, found in Danish peat bogs. These bodies, often remarkably well-preserved due to the anaerobic conditions of the peat, date back hundreds or even thousands of years. The article recounts specific finds, including a body from Fyn dating back to around 1773 and another from Undelev mosse in southwestern Jutland from 1797. These discoveries provide valuable insights into the clothing, physical characteristics, and possible burial rituals of ancient populations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently aims to demystify scientific concepts for a general audience. It presents current research, theories, and discoveries, often contrasting different viewpoints (e.g., dinosaur extinction theories). The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting scientific inquiry and critical thinking, encouraging readers to engage with complex topics and understand the ongoing nature of scientific exploration.

This issue of UFO NORD, dated September 1982, is a Swedish publication from the Kiruna Tvärvetenskapliga Förening UFO NORD. It covers a diverse range of topics, from ancient bog bodies and archaeological discoveries to modern astronomical findings and UFO-related activities.

Bog Bodies and Archaeological Finds

The magazine features extensive articles on bog bodies discovered in Denmark, providing detailed descriptions of their condition, clothing, and the circumstances of their discovery. These finds, primarily from the Iron Age, offer a glimpse into the lives and deaths of ancient peoples.

One of the earliest discussed finds is a man from Holbøls, buried with three hazel staffs. The preservation power of the bog water is highlighted, noting its ability to preserve not only objects but also human bodies for centuries.

A notable find from Gorselitze on Falster in 1843 is described as unique for containing jewelry, including a bronze needle and seven glass beads, dating to around 300 AD. The body was exhumed and sent to the National Museum, with Crown Prince Fredrik personally overseeing the process.

Two women from Jutland's bogs are presented as particularly remarkable Iron Age finds. One, discovered in Juthe mosse in 1835 near Haraldskajer, was speculated to be Queen Gunhild, the notorious wife of Erik Blodyx. The article recounts legends of her beauty, intelligence, and alleged promiscuity, as well as her tragic death by drowning in a bog, supposedly at the hands of King Harald. The location's name, Gunnelmosse or Gunhilds mosse, lent credence to this theory.

Other female bog bodies mentioned include one from Auning mosse with a leather collar and sheepskin skirt, and another from Fraeer mosse in Himmerland, found in 1842, wearing a wool dress and a leather shoe. The latter was sent to the National Museum.

The issue also details a find from Bredmosse near Storanden in June 1942. The body, a young woman, was found tightly curled and wrapped in fabric. Examination revealed she was about 25-30 years old and 164 cm tall. The bog's geological analysis suggested the body dated from the early Iron Age or slightly younger.

A bog body from Roersdam near Odense, found around 1836, was described as a young woman dressed in primitive animal skins. The find is preserved in Sankt Knuds Church in Odense.

In Borremosse, Års socken, a well-preserved male bog body was discovered. The man was found in a seated position, with his body contorted. Analysis indicated he was about 155 cm tall, with well-preserved skin and pores. His skull was crushed, and his right thigh bone was broken, possibly from ancient injuries. A bast rope, 94 cm long, was found around his neck, suggesting he may have been hanged or strangled. His stomach contents revealed a vegetarian diet, primarily consisting of goosefoot and knotweed.

Another find from Borremosse, dated June 27, 1947, was a female body found in a peat bog. Significant parts of her body were missing. A leather strap with an amber bead and a bronze plate was found around her neck. The find also included three birch sticks placed over the body and small bones possibly belonging to an infant. A clay pot found near her right arm helped date her to the same period as the Borremosse fortress village, approximately two thousand years ago.

The magazine also touches upon finds of isolated body parts, such as heads and hands, in bogs. Two decapitated female heads are discussed: one from Stidsholt mosse in Vendsyssel, described as a young, small woman with long hair, and another from Roum mosse in Himmerland, found in June 1942, identified as a young woman of about twenty, wrapped in a sheepskin collar.

Astronomy and Cosmology

A significant astronomical discovery reported is a vast 'hole' in space, approximately 3,000 times larger than the Milky Way, representing about one percent of the observable universe. This finding challenges the 'big bang' theory's assumption of uniform matter distribution.

Additionally, the issue revisits the discovery of Neptune. While credited to an astronomer in Berlin in 1846, two astronomers suggest that the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei may have observed Neptune as early as 1612-1613, mistaking it for a 'fixed star' near Jupiter.

Scientific Discoveries and Theories

Regarding the origin of life, the magazine discusses earlier claims of finding the oldest fossils of life, around 3.8 billion years old, in Greenland. However, newer research casts doubt on these findings, suggesting they might be 'fossil-like' objects of inorganic origin or organic matter that seeped in later, rather than evidence of the earliest life forms.

A brief report mentions a preparation derived from pig trotters, developed in China, which can rapidly stop bleeding from open wounds.

UFO NORD Association Activities

The latter part of the magazine focuses on the Kiruna Tvärvetenskapliga Förening UFO NORD. Minutes from a board meeting held on September 28, 1982, are detailed. Key discussions included the use of Centralgården as a meeting venue, the storage of association materials, future meeting schedules, membership numbers (25 as of August 24), and the content and distribution of the association's newsletter. The newsletter is intended to be broad in scope to cater to all interests and will be sent to various groups, including UFO Sweden and archives. The association also plans to participate in a UFO Sweden planning conference in Sala on October 2, 1982, where Gunnar Therén will represent the association.

Miscellaneous

Briefly mentioned is a report on the rising value of minerals in the human body, increasing by 643 percent according to the Health Insurance Institute in the USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and scientific inquiry. The detailed accounts of bog bodies suggest a fascination with the past and the enduring mysteries of human existence. The inclusion of astronomical discoveries and discussions on the origin of life point to a broader interest in the unknown, both on Earth and in the cosmos. The UFO NORD section indicates a focus on ufology and the activities of a dedicated research group, suggesting an editorial stance that encourages investigation and discussion of anomalous events and subjects.