Klipprunden - 1984 09 05

Magazine Overview

Title: SAF BULLETIN
Volume: 16
Issue: 3/4
Year: 1984
Publisher: Solna Astronomiska Förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of SAF Bulletin, published by the Solna Astronomiska Förening, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, with a strong emphasis on UFO sightings and related events. It also includes a significant section on the growing issue of satellite congestion in Earth's atmosphere. The magazine features reports from Norway, Sweden, and Brazil, alongside discussions on the scientific and technical aspects of these phenomena.

Editorial and Committee Notes

The editorial section, written by '0-G', touches upon upcoming events and ongoing projects. The author mentions a 'big folding day' in Tønsberg and the preparation of documents for a 'follow-up letter'. There's a reference to an important meeting involving Erling Strand, Leif Havik, and Hans Kr. Moe. The 'Operation Nødhjelp' (Operation Emergency Aid) is highlighted as a key focus, with thanks extended to Per Ottesen for being the first to respond to a 'distress call'. The editorial also notes a positive response to a request for financial contributions, with many sending more than the requested amount. A humorous anecdote is shared about a UFO photo from Hamar Arbeiderblad, which turned out to be a prank involving a paper cutout on a window. The editor expresses a desire for more female participation in UFO discussions, mentioning Eva Kolstad. Sightings from various parts of Norway, including Østlandet (Hønefoss and Drammen) and Midt Norge (Sunnmøre), are mentioned, with a specific inquiry about a sighting near Vaag. A peculiar event in Hornindal, possibly related to ball lightning, is also brought up, with a call for local investigation.

The 'Tillegg til Komitéen' (Addendum to the Committee) section details upcoming committee meetings. The meeting scheduled for September 23rd is postponed to September 30th due to Hans Kr. Moe's absence. Another meeting on October 21st is proposed to be moved to Saturday, October 20th, to accommodate the editor's attendance at a Cup Final match.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Sula, Norway: Anny Søvik described a large, oval, pulsating light observed over Sula at midnight. The phenomenon lasted for nearly half an hour, slowly narrowing and disappearing towards the southeast. The local flight manager at Mørefly stated that it was unlikely to be a commercial flight due to the time and the nature of the blinking lights. Anny Søvik herself expressed no belief in UFO stories but acknowledged the unique nature of the sighting.

Konnerudåsen, Norway: A reader reported observing a luminous, round object moving very slowly across the sky near Konnerudåsen. The object was described as moving too slowly to be an aircraft.

Krokskogen, Norway: A man observed a bright, luminous object over Krokskogen that competed with the moon in brightness for 5-6 minutes before disappearing towards the moon. No sounds were heard, and the object moved very little.

Sweden: Lars Thorn, a 25-year-old, photographed a strange craft in the sky on May 6, 1971. The object was described as saucer-shaped with a dome, colored grey, red, and green, and emitted a whizzing sound every 10-15 seconds. Experts examined the negatives and confirmed their authenticity.

Canada to United States: The story of Barney and Betty Hill is recounted, detailing how a disc-shaped craft landed, and they experienced a period of missing time, finding themselves 35 miles further down the road. Their watches had stopped, and their car was found to be radioactive. Under hypnosis, they both provided consistent accounts of being taken aboard the saucer and examined by uniformed beings.

Snowflake, Arizona, USA: Travis Walton claims he was 'kidnapped' by a UFO crew in 1975. He was traveling in a truck when it was halted by a UFO. He was reportedly flattened by a flash, carried into the craft, and woke up five days later, ten pounds lighter. He described the beings as humanoid, about five feet tall, with white skin, domed foreheads, large eyes, and wearing tight-fitting robes.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: In 1970, a housewife and her family witnessed something strike the sea. A visiting police official also saw the object, described as a metallic grey disc with a transparent hood. Two occupants emerged from the craft and appeared to be working on its deck. After forty minutes, the craft disappeared at high speed.

Itaperuna, Brazil: A year later, a typewriter mechanic driving home at night encountered a bright, shining disc that blocked his path. His car stopped, and he felt a strange sensation of energy being drained. Two figures in blue suits appeared, dragged him into the disc-shaped craft, and he was later found laid next to his car. His watch had lost 15 minutes.

Norwegian Sea: The first mate of a Soviet ship, the Ishevsk, observed a bright light moving south. The object suddenly flared up, changed direction, and grew larger. It stopped, hovered, and emitted a brilliant glow of rainbow colors before turning into a white shroud. It then changed direction again, repeated this sequence five times, stopped, turned into an egg shape, and emitted a powerful white jet before fading and disappearing in a white mist.

Haute Provence, France: A Frenchman claims a metallic craft with six landing gear touched down about 100 feet from him, leaving impressions in the field.

Russia: A geological group from the Leningrad Research Institute reported a luminous object near a village.

Near Trinidad: A UFO was seen and photographed from a naval vessel, with numerous sailors convinced it was a 'flying saucer'.

Ball Lightning and Hornindal

The article "Spora i Hornindal kan vere kulelyn" (The Tracks in Hornindal Could Be Ball Lightning) discusses tracks found in Hornindal, Norway. While no one can say for sure, reactions to a previous article suggest it might be ball lightning. Ball lightning is described as rare, and little is known about its effects. It is said to develop heat, which could explain the lack of green vegetation around the tracks. The phenomenon can move through the air like a luminous ball, varying in size from a few centimeters to a meter, though the Hornindal track was about a meter long. The article notes that ball lightning is associated with thunderstorms and may occur after regular lightning. It also poses the question of whether such observations are common in the area and suggests the tracks might not be recent.

Satellite Congestion

The article "Trångt om utrymmet" (Crowded Space) addresses the increasing number of communication satellites in Earth's atmosphere. It states that over 120 satellites are in orbit at approximately 36,000 kilometers above the equator, with 90 of them still operational. Their placement in geostationary orbit ensures they remain above the same point on Earth. However, the growing number and proximity of these satellites are causing interference. The International Communications Union has concluded that radio frequencies and geostationary positions are limited natural resources. Consequently, the US Federal Communications Commission has reduced the minimum distance between American satellites from 6,500 km to 3,200 km, with plans to further reduce it to 1,600 km. The challenge lies in developing ground stations capable of capturing clear signals when satellites are positioned so closely.

Contact Information and Membership

The magazine provides a comprehensive list of contact persons and their phone numbers across various locations in Sweden, including Solna, Vällingby, Täby, Kiruna, Luleå, Sandarne, Söderhamn, Sandviken, Mariestad, Törebo, and Borgholm. It also lists the subscription prices for SAF-Bulletin: 85 SEK for a year, 45 SEK for individuals under 18, and 100 SEK for supporting members. The publication schedule is mentioned as six issues per year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the technological advancements impacting Earth's atmosphere, specifically satellite communication. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging witness reports and investigations into unusual events. There is also an expressed desire for broader participation in discussions, including from women. The magazine acts as a platform for sharing information, reporting on sightings, and discussing scientific and technical developments relevant to the field of ufology and astronomy.