Nsrkontakt - 1994 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: NÄR KONTAKT
Issue: ÅRGÅNG 5 NR 1
Date: 1994
Publisher: Västra Sveriges UFO-Förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of "När Kontakt" is the member magazine for the Västra Sveriges UFO-Förening, published in January 1994. It focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring personal accounts, photographic evidence, and discussions on related scientific and cosmological topics.

Editorials and Introductions

"Redaktörerna har ordet!" (The Editors Have the Floor!)

Daniel and Peter, the editors, welcome the new year with renewed energy and the goal of publishing more issues. They note that the winter was not particularly eventful. This issue prominently features three images from Inge Falk and the case of the "dead spot" from the Strömstad area. They thank Rune Ljungberg for his compilation work and encourage other members to contribute similar detailed summaries. The editors remind members about the upcoming annual meeting on March 13th and announce that the next issue is due at the end of April, with a submission deadline of March 31st.

"Hej medlemmar!" (Hello Members!)

This section, accompanied by photos of Daniel and Peter, reiterates the editors' enthusiasm for the new year and their intention to increase publication frequency. They mention the lack of significant events during the winter but highlight the inclusion of Inge Falk's images and the "dead spot" case. They also express gratitude for member contributions and encourage more such detailed reports.

"Fältforskarkurs" (Field Research Course)

This short notice announces an opportunity for members interested in attending a field research course in Gothenburg. They are seeking enough interested individuals to arrange for a field researcher to come to Gothenburg. Contact information for Anders, Daniel, and Peter is provided for those interested.

Featured Articles and Cases

"TRIANGELVÅG?" (Triangular Wave?) by Anders Persson

Anders Persson, the chairman, discusses the common association of UFOs with flying saucers but notes that descriptions often point to triangular objects. He states that nearly all reported UFO sightings include descriptions of triangular craft. He posits that there are primarily two explanations for these sightings: either they are lies (intentional or unintentional) or they represent observations of genuinely unusual objects. Persson mentions that these observations span from the mid-1980s to the present and notes striking similarities in details among some reports, suggesting potential unconscious copying of stories. He expresses a personal feeling that too many credible people might be fabricating such stories. The article promises to delve into these triangular objects, offering both case descriptions and a technical analysis, which the magazine may be unique in providing.

"UFO - en skymt av det okända" (UFO - A Glimpse of the Unknown)

This section reviews a UFO television program that was repeatedly postponed. The program reportedly contained a mix of material, including common misconceptions (like airplane wings) and hoaxes (like the Maier saucer), alongside seemingly interesting content. Examples cited include a scene from Russia with a crowd looking at a bright light in the sky and elderly witnesses from the Roswell crashes. The article notes that while much of the material was familiar, it added to the ongoing mysteries. The post-program debate involved standard astronomers and UFO representatives (Clas Swahn and Boris Ljungqvist), with a priest, Ma Oftedahl, sharing his own UFO experiences as a neutral commentator.

"'Triangel' över Näsinge" ('Triangle' over Näsinge) by Anders Persson

This article details a sighting that occurred on the evening of October 13th. Lisbeth Falk reported seeing a greenish object hovering over a road. Later, a man from the Strömstad area reported seeing a bright object. The witness, living in a secluded location, described a triangular object with luminous "V"-shaped stripes underneath, emitting a blue-purple light. A week later, on October 13th, the witness felt a strange sensation and heard a humming sound. He saw a bright light in the sky, which later intensified into a strong white light moving in a bow-like path over his house. His wife also witnessed the object. The witness described the object as having a large, wide, rectangular rear ramp. The light disappeared with the sound. A subsequent investigation of the area revealed a flat triangular stone and a scraped mark on a rock face, though the latter was difficult to assess due to rain. The witness confirmed seeing the light through the trees, noting its fluctuating intensity. The article also mentions a previous UFO interest from the family.

"Fallet med den 'döda fläcken'" (The Case of the 'Dead Spot') by Claes Axstål

This case report from near Strömstad describes an incident on October 2nd, 1992. A family's dog reacted fearfully to something in the forest. The father investigated and heard strange, command-like sounds, followed by a bright flash of light at treetop level that disappeared with extreme speed. Four months later, during springtime, the family noticed a circular patch of ground in the forest, approximately 8x10 meters, where vegetation had completely died. Within this patch, they found three triangular depressions in the ground, suggesting immense pressure. Soil samples were taken and tested for nutrients, showing normal levels, but tests for poisons were not conducted due to cost. Radioactivity levels were also normal. While some vegetation has begun to grow back, the patch remains clearly visible. The article notes that the family was already interested in UFOs and had prior experiences.

"OBSERVATIONER" (Observations)

This section compiles several UFO sighting reports from the autumn of 1993 and earlier:

• January 1979: A bright orange, semi-circular object, estimated at 20-40 meters, was observed near Fjällbacka, Sweden. It was seen in the sky at treetop height and was described as playing with colors.
• October 1993: Three yellow-white lights, resembling illuminated windows, were seen in a line on the road near Kungälv, Sweden. They moved in formation with a car before extinguishing.
• April 1993: Three small, bright objects, each the size of a thumbnail, were observed on Route 45 south of Nylöse, Sweden. They moved simultaneously and jerkily sideways before disappearing.
• July 1992: A metallic grey, helicopter-sized object, described as angular, hovered 15 meters above a balcony in Majorna, Gothenburg, Sweden, before ascending straight up.
• Prior to 1982 (evening): A large, bright disc-shaped object, illuminated like a half-moon, was seen over a rooftop in Bergsjön, Gothenburg, Sweden.

"FOTO Inge Falk" (Photo Inge Falk)

This section presents photographs taken by Inge Falk, described as showing triangular objects. The text explains that the bright parts of the objects can intensify and expand, creating a luminous layer that can envelop the entire object. It also mentions that some objects emit plasma, which can be ejected in various directions and travel hundreds of meters before dissipating. The article notes that Inge Falk claims to have seen these objects up close and has made interesting observations about their behavior, including their ability to emit radiation in the visible light spectrum, appearing either dimly lit or intensely bright. He also reports observing extreme changes in speed and electromagnetic pulses detected on video recordings. The article concludes by stating that it is up to the reader to evaluate and interpret the presented images and information.

Scientific and Cosmological Discussions

"Finns du, ET?" (Are You There, ET?) by Rune Ljungberg

This article discusses the evolving understanding of the universe, referencing Edwin Hubble's discovery of the expanding universe in 1930 and the Big Bang theory. It explains that the universe is not static but had a beginning approximately 15 billion years ago. The article mentions Fred Hoyle, who coined the term "Big Bang" in 1948, initially as a critic of the theory. It highlights the 1978 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson for their discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation in 1965, which provided crucial evidence for the Big Bang.

"KOSMOLOGINS GYLLENE TIDSÅLDER" (The Golden Ages of Cosmology)

This subsection, likely a continuation of the previous article, focuses on the significance of the cosmic microwave background radiation discovery in 1965 as a pivotal moment in cosmology.

"MIKROVÅGORNAS VÄRLD" (The World of Microwaves)

This part of the article explores different forms of light in the universe beyond visible light. It describes how using hypothetical "magic" glasses, one could observe the ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray spectra. Ultraviolet light is emitted by very hot stars, including our sun, causing sunburn. X-ray radiation is generated when matter is heated to millions of degrees, such as in the process of stars being consumed by black holes. The article suggests that by adjusting these hypothetical glasses, one could perceive the entire universe in gamma rays.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, emphasizing personal testimonies and photographic evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to contribute their observations and interpretations. While presenting intriguing cases, the magazine also acknowledges the need for critical evaluation, as stated in the closing remarks of the Inge Falk photo section. The inclusion of cosmological discussions suggests an interest in broader scientific contexts related to the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The magazine aims to provide a platform for members to share and discuss their experiences and findings in a serious and objective manner.

This issue of 'Se upp! Rymden är över oss!' (Look out! Space is upon us!), identified as NK 1-94, published by Astromedia AB, delves into various aspects of astronomy, cosmology, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The cover prominently features the Hubble Space Telescope and promotes astronomical telescopes and space posters.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum of the Universe

The magazine begins by exploring the electromagnetic spectrum, starting with gamma ray bursts, described as indications of violent, unexplained cosmic phenomena. It then moves to infrared light, which allows for 'seeing' heat signatures, and subsequently to microwave radiation. The most significant aspect discussed in this section is the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation, identified as the 'fossil' of the Big Bang, originating from the universe's first moments and comprising 99% of all light energy. Researchers can study the universe's state in its first microsecond through these microwaves.

The Face of God: COBE and the Big Bang

The article 'Guds Ansikte' (God's Face) focuses on the cosmological quest to understand the universe's beginnings. It highlights the challenges faced by cosmologists who initially found the uniformity of the CMB to contradict theories of galaxy formation. The launch of the COBE satellite in 1989 proved pivotal. In 1991, COBE's instruments detected a subtle ripple in the CMB's uniformity, interpreted as matter clumping to form new galaxies. This discovery validated existing theories and led researcher George Smoot to famously state that COBE had seen 'God's face,' a quote that garnered significant media attention. The article details COBE's three main instruments: FIRAS, DIRBE, and DMR, and notes that NASA technicians considered their own work on the project as a 'fourth experiment.' The immense effort involved, including 1,600 person-years of work and a cost of 60 million dollars, is emphasized. The article also briefly mentions IRAS, a precursor satellite launched in 1983, and the Hubble Space Telescope, launched in April 1990.

New Knowledge in Cosmology

This section discusses the significant advancements in cosmology over the past decade, driven by extensive space exploration. It notes the absence of overt military motives in space endeavors since the fall of the Soviet Union. The article touches upon the ongoing debate about the existence of planets with life-supporting conditions similar to Earth, with serious researchers asserting their existence based on new cosmic data. The information gathered by satellites like COBE, FIRAS, and DMR has reshaped our understanding of the universe.

How and When Are Planets Created?

Planets are understood to form concurrently with stars. Life emerges on planets if conditions permit, with the building blocks of life being transported via meteors. The Milky Way galaxy alone is estimated to contain 400 billion stars, with about 10% resembling our Sun. This suggests a vast number of potential planets, leading to estimations of millions of possible civilizations within our galaxy, with some calculations suggesting hundreds of neighbors.

Communication

Microwaves are presented as superior communication tools in space due to their unique wave-particle nature. The article highlights that these 'almost silent' frequencies are also interference-free, making them ideal for detecting intelligent signals. Cosmologists are actively searching for intelligent signals on different frequencies, facing the challenge of distinguishing them from the trillions of natural radio waves emitted by celestial bodies. The development of sophisticated software, like that programmed by physicist Kent Cullers for supercomputers, aids in identifying faint, potentially intelligent signals.

Possible Messages from ET

The section 'Möjliga Budskap Från ET' (Possible Messages From ET) addresses the history of radio telescope surveillance for extraterrestrial signals. Between 1977 and 1990, 45 'possible' signals were detected from five different constellations, though none repeated. Notable signals include a 'wow' signal in 1977 from the Sagittarius constellation and 40 interesting signals detected in 1986 by Harvard University's radio telescope from the Virgo constellation. A signal received in 1990 by the Parkes radio telescope in Australia is considered by Frank Drake to be the most likely message from ET. The article lists the radio telescopes involved in the NASA-SETI project, including Arecibo, Goldstone, Green Bank, and others, with plans for a global network by 1995. Astronomer Jill Tarter is quoted, emphasizing that any confirmed signal would be shared globally, as it belongs to all of humanity. The article also notes that the SETI project has no interest in UFO phenomena.

NASA-SETI Project

This section details the history and challenges of the NASA-SETI project. It mentions Frank Drake's 1959 request to use the Green Bank radio telescope, which initially met with skepticism. Despite opposition, Drake was granted observation time. By 1978, the idea of SETI had gained significant traction within NASA, leading to funding in the 1978 budget, which caused protests from the US Congress. Senator William Proxmire famously criticized the project, earning a 'Golden Turkey' award. A 1981 amendment prohibited NASA from funding extraterrestrial research. However, the project found support through initiatives like The Planetary Society, founded by Carl Sagan, which grew to 100,000 members and a budget of $2 million. A 1982 appeal for moral support from scientists garnered signatures from over 50 prominent figures. The article also notes Steven Spielberg's $100,000 donation to support research inspired by his film.

Magical Frequencies

On October 12, 1992, at 3:00 PM, the NASA-SETI project officially began. In its initial hours, it accomplished as much work as had been done previously in ET research. The radio telescopes are scanning the 'silent' part of the radio spectrum between 1,000 and 10,000 megahertz, analyzing 100 billion calculations per second for intelligent signal patterns. The system filters out irrelevant signals, analyzing 15 million channels per second, which is described as a mere drop in the ocean of the Milky Way's microwaves. The hope is that these 'magical frequencies' will provide humanity with an indication of extraterrestrial intelligence.

Spekeröd Sighting

The issue includes a report of a UFO sighting near Spekeröd, Sweden. A car with four occupants (two adults, two children) traveling north on the old E6 road observed an intense white light about 800 meters away. The object was seen hovering above the horizon. Two other vehicles, identified as a police car, were stopped with hazard lights on. As the car approached the crest of a hill, the object was observed to be stationary a short distance away (estimated 20-30 meters). The object was described as having a 'boat hull' shape with triangular parts and lights. The occupants did not hear any sound from the object. The children in the back seat thought it was a regular airplane, but the adults were convinced it was not. An inquiry with the Kungälv police revealed no relevant records for the incident.

Astronomical Telescopes and Software

The magazine also features advertisements and information about astronomical equipment and software. It showcases various Celestron telescopes, including the GP-C8, C60E, C45, and C90, detailing their specifications and prices. The 'The_Sky for Windows!' software is presented as a planetarium program that allows users to explore the night sky, simulate astronomical events, and access information on thousands of celestial objects. Different versions of the software are available with varying numbers of celestial objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the exploration of space and the scientific pursuit of knowledge about the universe. There is a strong emphasis on the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and the scientific validation of theories through satellite observations like COBE. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the possibility of alien life and a belief in the importance of scientific inquiry, even when facing political or public skepticism. The inclusion of a specific UFO sighting suggests an interest in unexplained phenomena, though the SETI project itself is presented as distinct from UFO research.