Nsrkontakt - 1995 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: NÄR KONTAKT
Issue: Volume 6, Number 4
Date: 1995
Publisher: Västra Sveriges UFO-Förening
Language: Swedish

This issue of När Kontakt, the membership magazine for Västra Sveriges UFO-Förening, delves into significant UFO-related topics, prominently featuring "The McDaniel Report" and several eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena.

The McDaniel Report: A Critique of NASA's Mars Investigations

The central article, "The McDaniel Report," examines the controversy surrounding images taken by NASA's Viking probes in 1975 and 1976, which appeared to show artificial structures on Mars. The report, authored by Professor Emeritus Stanley V. McDaniel, criticizes NASA's handling of this evidence, arguing that the agency failed in its executive, congressional, and scientific responsibility to investigate these potential anomalies.

McDaniel, a former philosophy professor with extensive experience in logic and critical thinking, analyzed the work of independent researchers who found the Martian formations to be "highly interesting" and potentially artificial. He contrasts their findings with NASA's stance, which dismissed the formations as natural geological features, often attributing resemblances to built structures as "random shadow play." The report suggests that NASA's investigation methods were flawed and that the agency actively worked to discredit independent researchers and suppress information.

The article highlights the subsequent loss of the Mars Observer probe in 1992, which was equipped with a camera capable of resolving the issue. The author implies that NASA's reluctance to immediately release images from previous missions and their questionable prioritization of imaging targets may have contributed to the loss or delayed dissemination of crucial data.

McDaniel's report is presented as a strong argument for the need for further investigation into the Martian anomalies, suggesting that the evidence gathered by independent researchers could serve as a model for scientific inquiry at its best.

Editorial Stance and Member Contributions

In the editorial section, Anders Person, the chairman (ordf.), reflects on the importance of critical thinking and responsible reporting within the UFO community. He expresses frustration with those who treat UFO phenomena as mere entertainment or jump to conclusions without proper analysis. Person emphasizes the significance of the UFO phenomenon, suggesting it could involve unknown physical craft or natural phenomena that offer new insights into nature's laws. He calls for a more rigorous and thoughtful approach to understanding these events.

The magazine also actively encourages member participation, urging readers to contribute their own observations, book reviews, clippings, and reports, particularly those from the Gothenburg area. The editors, Peter Larsson and Daniel Olsson, stress that the magazine is in the hands of its members and that their input is vital for its content and direction.

UFO Sightings and Observations

Several sections detail specific UFO observations:

• Observation: Baltic Sea (1992): A CASA aircraft crew reported an unidentified object crossing their path near Gotland. The control tower confirmed no other known air traffic in the area, and the object was described as unlike a conventional aircraft.
• Observation: Billdal to Lindome (1994-10): A witness driving with her children observed a stationary light with spotlights that then ascended rapidly. A neighbor also reported seeing similar lights.
• Observation: Västerlanda (1995-12-22): Two witnesses saw a bright, round, yellow-white light moving slowly at low altitude, which then descended behind a ridge and disappeared, leaving an orange glow.

Notiser (Notices)

This section includes various brief reports:

• Sirius Twin Star Theory: A note on the Dogon people's ancient knowledge and modern astronomical calculations suggesting a third star in the Sirius system, possibly indicating extraterrestrial contact.
• Mysterious Holes in Halland Lake: Reports of star-shaped holes in the ice of Glasshultssjön near Halmstad, which did not freeze over despite cold temperatures. These were later explained as a natural phenomenon caused by water rising through small cracks.
• UFO Observation near Borås: Clarification regarding a previous report about Volvo employees observing UFOs, stating the observation actually occurred in a different location and time.
• Prejudiced View of Sky Phenomena: An opinion piece by Håkan Eriksson criticizing media for dismissing UFOs as folklore and highlighting that UFO sightings are reported by people from all walks of life, including experts, and are sometimes supported by photographic and radar evidence.

Other Content

• Membership Information: Details on membership fees for 1995 and 1996, including reduced rates for youth, and payment instructions.
• Meeting Schedule: Dates for winter/spring 1996 meetings of the Västra Sveriges UFO-Förening, including an annual meeting.
• Subscription: Information on subscribing to "UFO-Aktuellt," the official publication of UFO-Sverige.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of official explanations for UFO phenomena, particularly NASA's handling of potential evidence on Mars. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of independent research, critical thinking, and the responsibility of both scientists and the media to address these subjects seriously. The magazine advocates for a more open and thorough investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, challenging skepticism that dismisses eyewitness accounts and evidence without adequate scrutiny. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a more scientific and less prejudiced approach to UFO research, encouraging active participation from its readership.

This issue of GICOFF-information, dated August 1975, focuses on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports, alongside a discussion on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).

UFO Incident Over Gotland

The article details an investigation into a UFO incident reported over Gotland, Sweden. An air traffic controller, initially reluctant to discuss the event, eventually confirmed that a CASA plane was involved in a submarine hunt exercise. The pilot, identified as Fågelberg, initially denied any memory of the incident but later suggested his name might have been mentioned by the crew. The investigation narrowed down potential dates to September 1992 or August 1993, with the former being more likely.

US Army Helicopter Pursued by UFO

This section recounts an incident from August 14th where a US Army helicopter pilot, Major Claude Riddle, was approached by a UFO near Stockton, California. The object, described as disk-shaped with an intense orange glow, hovered and then suddenly turned red and vanished, emitting green gas. Three air traffic controllers also witnessed the event. The UFO was estimated to be as large as a jet plane and moved at incredible speeds. Another incident from four days prior involved a similar object frightening two young women.

Mexican Pilot's Encounter

A harrowing account from May 3, 1975, describes Mexican pilot Carlos de los Santos Montiel's experience where his plane was seemingly controlled by three UFOs. While flying near Mexico City, Montiel reported losing control of his aircraft, with the UFOs maintaining a constant position around his plane. Radar confirmed the presence of an unidentified object. Despite initial medical explanations like low blood sugar, subsequent findings, including a dent in the plane's undercarriage and the radar data, supported the UFO hypothesis. The event was verified by air traffic controllers who tracked both the plane and the unidentified object.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Signals (SETI)

This section, authored by Pierre Gustavsson, discusses the scientific endeavor to detect signals from extraterrestrial civilizations. It begins with Frank Drake's pioneering efforts in 1960. The article highlights the increasing amount of radio noise from Earth that makes detection difficult. It explores potential frequencies for signals, focusing on the 21cm hydrogen line and the 18cm OH line (forming the 'water hole'). The challenges of building sensitive receivers and the vastness of space are discussed, suggesting a focus on sun-like stars within 300 light-years. The possibility of laser signals is also mentioned.

Mysterious Antenna at 4000 Meters Depth

This article reports on a strange formation photographed in August 1964 at a depth of 4000 meters west of Cape Horn. The object, resembling an antenna with four cross-antennas, was believed to be a highly sensitive instrument for seismological measurements. The interpretation of this object remains a mystery, with speculation that it could be of extraterrestrial origin or from a previous civilization on Earth.

UFOs Controlling a Planet

This section details an incident where a pilot, Carlos de los Santos Montiel, felt his plane was under the control of UFOs. While flying near Mexico City, he reported losing control of his aircraft and being flanked by three UFOs. The article notes that the plane's controls became unresponsive as long as the objects were present. The incident was corroborated by radar data and air traffic controllers.

Rymdskrot blev mystiskt UFO (Space Debris Became a Mysterious UFO)

This article, referencing an investigation by the Göteborgsföreningen GICOFF, examines a case from December 3, 1971. Pilots Olof Berner and Lennart Rydholm observed a bright, phosphorescent object over the Baltic Sea. Simultaneously, similar observations were made in Denmark and Skåne. The object was initially described as stationary, then ascending rapidly with pulsating rings. The Swedish and Danish reports, along with expert analysis by Sven Grahn, concluded that the phenomenon was likely the explosion and fragmentation of the Soviet satellite Cosmos 462, which was part of a test for anti-satellite weapons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO and UAP reports as serious phenomena worthy of investigation, often highlighting eyewitness accounts and the challenges of official explanations. There is a clear interest in unexplained aerial phenomena, military encounters, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging documentation and analysis of such events, while also acknowledging the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence.