Nsrkontakt - 1996 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: NÄR KONTAKT
Issue: 2
Volume: 7
Year: 1996
Publisher: UFO-VÄST (Membership magazine for UFO-Väst)
Price: 30 kr.

This issue of När Kontakt, the membership magazine for UFO-Väst, delves into a variety of intriguing topics related to UFOs, ancient mysteries, and potential government cover-ups. The cover prominently features headlines about the Roswell incident, the Rockefeller Report, high technology in ancient times, and Richard C. Hoagland's theories on lunar formations.

Editorial Introduction: "DET BÖRJAR TA SIG!"

Editor Jörgen Westman opens the issue with an enthusiastic note about the magazine's growing reach, particularly its internet version. He highlights the current issue's focus on Richard C. Hoagland and his controversial claims about artificial discoveries on Mars and the Moon. Westman also mentions his ongoing research into the construction of flying saucers during and after World War II, promising more details in a future issue. He introduces a two-part series on the 'abduction' phenomenon, exploring psychological and genetic experiment aspects. The chairman, Anders Persson, contributes with articles on ancient high technology and UFO technology. A significant mention is made of the 'UFO's - The Best Available Evidence' document financed by Laurence Rockefeller, aimed at bringing the UFO issue to the attention of world leaders. The issue also revisits the Roswell incident with new information from individuals claiming to have been involved in recovering debris.

Articles and Features

Billy Meier: "MEIERS VÄNNER GÅR IGEN I FLORIDA"

This article critically examines the claims of Billy Meier, a Swiss farmer who alleged contact with extraterrestrials from the Pleiades. It recounts Meier's story, including his purported encounters, messages, and photographic evidence. The article debunks many of Meier's claims, pointing to inconsistencies in his photographic evidence, such as the 'disappearing tree' and the alleged rapid acceleration of a UFO. It also mentions the involvement of figures like Wendelle Stevens and the skeptical stance of Kal Korff. The piece warns readers against Randolph Winters' book, 'The Pleiadian Mission,' which is based on Meier's accounts.

Astronauts and UFO Cover-ups: "ED MITCHELL OCH GORDON COOPER UTTALAR SIG OM MÖRKLÄGGNINGEN AV UFOS"

This section reports on statements made by astronauts regarding UFOs and alleged government cover-ups. Major Gordon Cooper is cited as the first astronaut to speak openly about his UFO encounters in space. The article details his sighting of a UFO in 1951 while flying a jet and his later report of a greenish object during his 1963 space mission. It highlights that while Cooper shared his experiences, reporters were prevented from asking questions about UFOs upon his landing. The article also features astronaut Ed Mitchell, who publicly acknowledged on NBC Dateline in 1996 that the US government had been covering up the reality of extraterrestrial visits. Mitchell's background as a test pilot and his academic achievements are mentioned. His account of his Apollo 14 mission includes a peculiar mental experiment conducted on the Moon. The article also touches upon Mitchell's interest in Uri Geller and his belief that information about extraterrestrial contact has been exchanged between the US, Belgium, and Russia since the 1960s. It references the Roswell incident and Robert Goddard, suggesting a connection.

• Further testimonies from astronauts are included:
• Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin: Otto Binder claims they saw UFOs shortly after the Apollo 11 moon landing. A purported radio transmission from Mission Control to Apollo 11 discusses 'huge' objects and 'other spaceships' on the Moon, with Armstrong reportedly stating, 'We are being watched from the Moon!'
• Ed Mitchell: He claims to have had personal experiences with extraterrestrials through contacts in three countries and believes strong evidence of UFOs is classified by governments.
• Ed White and James McDivitt: They reportedly saw a strange metallic object with long arms during a Gemini mission in 1965, and McDivitt filmed it, but the footage was never released.
• James Lovell and Frank Borman: During the Gemini 7 mission, they reported seeing an unidentified spacecraft, which ground control identified as their own booster rocket, though Borman insisted it was something else.
• Donald Slayton: A Mercury astronaut, Slayton revealed in an interview that he saw UFOs in 1951, describing a disc-shaped object that flew away at high speed.
• Joseph A. Walker: A NASA pilot, Walker stated in 1962 that one of his goals was to find UFOs and that he filmed five or six UFOs during his X-15 flights, but the films were never released.
• Eugene Cernan: Commander of Apollo 17, Cernan expressed his belief that UFOs represented 'someone else, some other civilization.'
• Maurice Chatelain: Former head of NASA Communications Systems, Chatelain confirmed in 1979 that Armstrong had reported seeing two UFOs on the lunar horizon. Chatelain speculated that some UFOs might originate from other solar systems, like Titan, and stated that all Apollo and Gemini flights were 'followed' by extraterrestrial craft, with astronauts ordered to remain silent.

Ancient Technology: "HADE LIRTIDA CIVILISATIONER STÖRRE KUNSKAP ÄN DOM BORDE"

This section explores the possibility of advanced technology existing in ancient civilizations. It begins by questioning the persistent interest in this topic and the realism of such beliefs. The article then presents examples:

• The Pyramids of Giza: The precise construction of the pyramids, particularly the granite blocks weighing up to 80 tons and the incredibly fine joints (1/50th of an inch, with variations of only 1/100th of an inch over 75 inches), are highlighted as evidence of advanced engineering. The article questions how such precision could be achieved without modern optical tools.
• "Space Age" Precision: Inside the Khefren pyramid, a sarcophagus is described as having an interior surface so smooth and precise that a 15 cm long, 6 mm thick gauge block, with edge variations within +/-0.005 mm, could not reveal any imperfections. The article questions the possibility of achieving this level of precision by hand or with ancient tools.
• Drill Holes: The presence of drill holes in various materials, including granite, with spiral marks suggesting a high rate of penetration (up to 2-3 mm per revolution), is presented as evidence of advanced drilling technology, possibly using ultrasound.

Ancient Electricity: "ELEKTRICITET I FORNTID"

This article discusses the discovery of what appear to be ancient batteries. In the 1930s, near Baghdad, archaeologists found objects resembling modern dry cell batteries, composed of copper cylinders, iron rods, and asphalt plugs. These artifacts, dating back to around 250 BC - 224 AD, were found in a series of ten, suggesting they were used in series. A replica constructed by F. M. Gray of General Electric functioned using copper sulfate as an electrolyte. The article notes that similar copper-iron combinations were used by Volta centuries later. It also references ancient Indian texts describing methods of electroplating using electricity and mentions the 'Mitra' device, which could produce light. The article also examines reliefs in the Dendera Temple, Egypt, which are interpreted by some as depicting electrical lamps, with figures possibly wearing protective suits and the 'djed' pillar symbolizing stability or power.

Mars' Atmosphere: "HAR MARS ATMOSFÄR FÖRSVUNNIT INÅT?"

This speculative article proposes a scenario to explain why Mars is currently a barren planet. It suggests that Mars, like other planets, has cooled over time, causing its crust to thicken and deform. This process, likened to a drying apple's skin wrinkling, could lead to the planet's atmosphere and water being lost or trapped. The article posits that as the planet's interior cools, the surface solidifies into a crust that eventually cracks and buckles under its own weight and the contracting interior. This could result in the atmosphere 'leaking' into space or the oxygen being bound into minerals, leading to the current thin atmosphere and frozen water state.

Image Gallery

The magazine includes a "BILD GALLERIET" (Image Gallery) featuring various UFO-related photographs and illustrations, including images from Leo McCabe, Inge Falk, the 5th Congress in Mesquite, Nevada, UFOs in France from the Blue Book Project, and photos by Donald Farley and Carl-Anton Mattsson. There are also images from the Hubble Space Telescope showing nebulae and celestial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of När Kontakt strongly leans towards the belief in UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial visitation, and the existence of advanced ancient technologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting controversial theories and testimonies from credible sources (like astronauts) while also critically examining claims (as seen with the Billy Meier article). There is a clear undercurrent of suspicion towards government secrecy and a desire to uncover hidden truths about humanity's past and its place in the universe. The magazine aims to inform and provoke thought among its readers, encouraging them to question established narratives and explore alternative explanations for historical and contemporary mysteries.

This issue of OBSERVATIONER, dated 1997, is a Swedish-language magazine focusing on UFOs, aliens, and related phenomena. The cover features musician Frank Black, who is interviewed extensively within the issue.

Cover Story: Frank Black Answers UFO Questions

The main feature is an interview with Frank Black (aka Charles Thompson), known for his work with The Pixies and his solo career. Black discusses his interest in UFOs, aliens, and space travel, stating that he doesn't apologize for writing songs about these topics. He recounts two significant childhood experiences that sparked his interest: his mother witnessing a UFO in Nebraska when he was around 18-19 years old, and seeing a silent, cigar-shaped craft with his brother when he was 5 years old. He notes that these memories have stayed with him and influenced his songwriting. Black also touches upon the media's sometimes dismissive attitude towards his lyrical themes and his views on conspiracy theories and the growing number of such believers in the USA.

Richard C. Hoagland: To Baldly Go Where Men Ben Before!

This section delves into the controversial theories of Richard C. Hoagland, who claims to have found evidence of ancient civilizations and artificial structures on Mars and the Moon. The article details his 'intergalactic equation theory' based on alignments of monuments on Mars, particularly the Cydonia region. It mentions NASA's initial explanations for anomalies like the 'Face on Mars' as tricks of light and shadow. Hoagland's work is supported by analyses of NASA images, including those of pyramids later dubbed 'D&M'. The article also discusses Hoagland's claims about lunar structures, referencing images from Apollo missions and interviews with astronaut Ed Mitchell. Mitchell, however, strongly refutes Hoagland's claims, calling them 'Green Cheese & Baloney' and 'false science.' The article also touches upon the controversy surrounding the authenticity of NASA images, with Hoagland suggesting potential retouching or miscataloging by NASA.

Structures on the Moon

This part of the article focuses on Hoagland's investigation of lunar images. It highlights his claim that astronauts saw these structures and were photographed with them. The article presents a debate about the authenticity of images, with Hoagland pointing to variations in different versions of the same photograph and an anonymous source from the National Space Science Data Center refuting his claims. The debate also involves Ken Johnston, a former NASA contractor, who supports Hoagland's view that images may have been miscataloged. The article also discusses the 'spire' on the Moon, a 2.5 km high structure photographed by both Apollo and Soviet probes, which Hoagland believes is artificial.

The 'Spire' and Other Anomalies

The article examines the 'spire' on the Moon, noting its photographic evidence from both US and Russian missions. It questions whether the structure could be natural given the Moon's environment, which is constantly bombarded by particles. The text also discusses other anomalies, such as a 'bridge' between cube-like structures and a diffuse cloud observed by the Soviet Zond 3 probe, which Hoagland interprets as reflections from a glass dome or biosphere. The article contrasts Hoagland's interpretations with more conventional explanations, such as photographic artifacts or natural formations.

Mars: A Possible Scenario

This section speculates on the geological and atmospheric evolution of Mars. It proposes a scenario where Mars, due to its smaller mass, has a cooling interior and a developing gas zone between its crust and core. This could lead to the planet's atmosphere and water leaking into the interior, potentially creating conditions for subterranean life or even supporting a past civilization that may have migrated elsewhere, possibly Earth. The article references the Viking probes' findings of no apparent geological activity on Mars as supporting evidence for a stable crust.

UFO Gallery

A collection of UFO photographs from various times and locations is presented, including images from New Mexico (1966), India, Korea (Korean War), Michigan (1967), Ohio (1966), and South Africa (1950s). These images are presented as visual evidence supporting the existence of unidentified flying objects.

UFO Document Summary: "Best Available Evidence"

This article summarizes a 169-page report funded by Laurence Rockefeller, aimed at presenting the 'best possible evidence' of UFOs and alien phenomena to world leaders, including President Bill Clinton. The report, titled "Unidentified Flying Objects Briefing Document," was compiled by researchers like Don Berliner, Antonio Huneeus, and Marie Galbraith, with contributions from organizations like MUFON and CUFOS. It conservatively presents nineteen cases considered strong evidence, focusing on 'first-degree' (sightings of craft) and 'second-degree' (physical traces) encounters, with a notable absence of 'third-degree' (abduction) cases.

News Briefs

Several short news items are included:

• Prehistoric Culture Found in the Amazon: Archaeologists led by Anna Roosevelt have discovered evidence of a 14,000-year-old culture in the Amazon, pushing back the timeline of human development.
• Astronomers Discover New Planet: Two American astronomers have found a new planet orbiting a star 50 light-years away, which is about 80% the mass of Jupiter and has a surface temperature of 500 degrees Celsius.
• Chupacabras Reported Active in Mexico: The mythical creature 'Chupacabras' is reportedly active in Mexico, with numerous sightings and attacks on livestock reported.
• Spiky Metal Spoons: A forest worker in Scotland reported being attacked by two spiky metal poles from a UFO in 1979.
• Family Claims UFO Observation: A family in Hinckley reported seeing a white light moving slowly over a lumberyard for over 30 minutes.
• New Threat: Comets May Be on Collision Course: Astronomers using a new data chip have discovered a higher number of asteroids and comets that could pose a collision risk to Earth.
• UFO Caught on Film: UFO experts in Birmingham claim to have the first successful video verification of a UFO.
• Saudi Arabian Newspaper Reports UFO Observation: A flying object was sighted over Saudi Arabia's oil-producing region, described as a 'flying saucer'.
• Utah State University Develops Space Seed: Researchers have developed a space-adapted version of wheat for growing in space.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFOs, alien contact, ancient civilizations, and space exploration, often presenting controversial theories and evidence. There is a clear interest in challenging conventional scientific explanations and government secrecy surrounding these topics. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating and presenting these phenomena, even when they are considered fringe or speculative by mainstream science. The inclusion of interviews with musicians like Frank Black and detailed analyses of UFO researcher Richard C. Hoagland's work suggests a focus on popular culture's intersection with these subjects.

This issue of The Citizen newspaper focuses on UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and alleged extraterrestrial encounters. It features articles on a spy base worker's UFO sighting, the controversial Roswell incident, and the claims of Bob Lazar regarding Area 51.

Key Articles and Reports

Spy Base Worker Sees UFO

An article reports that workers at Britain's largest spy base, GCHQ in Cheltenham, witnessed a UFO moving at high speed and in complete silence. Two security guards also reported seeing lights, and it's speculated these could be related to American Air Force activities at nearby Fairford.

More UFOs Reported from Brazil

An incident in Guarabira, Brazil, on March 31, 1996, is detailed where witnesses reported a disc-shaped object hovering a few meters above the ground. The object emitted multi-colored lights from its underside and was observed by a group of eight people. A similar object was seen 15 days prior in Piripirituba.

Mitsubishi Corp. Sponsors Moon Project to Find Ruins

Japanese company Mitsubishi Corp. is sponsoring Luna Corp.'s planned commercial mission to the Moon, aiming to land tele-operated robots in 1999. The robots will investigate the Apollo 11 landing site and search for wreckage of the Ranger 8 and Surveyor 5 spacecraft, as well as the Russian Lunokhod-2 rover in the LeMonnier crater, which Richard Hoagland claims is artificially made. The project hopes to raise 530 million kronor for the 1.3 billion kronor mission.

American Convicted of Murder Blames Aliens

Robert Joe Moody, convicted of murdering two women, claims he was forced to commit the acts by aliens. He has requested his execution, stating the aliens will then prove his innocence. The prosecution argues he was not influenced by aliens but was financing his drug habit. Moody, who represented himself, was diagnosed with multiple personality disorder by a defense psychologist, but the prosecutor deemed him mentally stable.

17 People Disappear Without a Trace

In Albaquerque, New Mexico, at least 17 people have reportedly disappeared along a mysterious 1.5-mile stretch of road known as the 'Road to Nowhere.' Authorities are unable to explain these disappearances, which have affected drivers and entire families. A source describes it as an 'American Devil's Triangle' that 'swallows people.' The road leads to the San Mateo Bergen and then abruptly ends. Many people visit to admire the view, but some do not return.

The Rockefeller Report Article

This section details the involvement of Laurence Rockefeller in funding a 169-page report on UFOs. Marie Galbraith initiated contact with Rockefeller, who, while not believing in extraterrestrial connections, wanted governments to release classified UFO material. Rockefeller previously funded research into 'abductions,' including the work of Harvard professor John E. Mack. The report, co-authored by Galbraith and Don Berliner, cost approximately 200,000 kronor. Galbraith also funded 'Starlight Coalition' meetings where former CIA/NSA agents allegedly discussed government knowledge of UFOs.

Military Accused of Conscious Bluff on UFO Observations

Duncan Lunan, a researcher in unexplained phenomena, suggests that military authorities are not covering up contact with extraterrestrial life but rather their own secret activities. He posits that many UFO observations and 'close encounters' are deliberate bluffs or fabrications by the military to hinder investigations or are caused by 'pranksters.' Lunan explains that unidentified UFO reports (5%) could be due to an international agreement to return satellite or rocket debris to its country of origin, classifying them as UFOs to avoid repatriation. He also claims that some UFO sightings in Britain during the Cold War involved drug smugglers and illegal immigrants to confuse Soviet intelligence. Lunan suggests that well-known cases like Kenneth Arnold and Roswell could be explained by military tests of 'flying wings' and pilotless reconnaissance vehicles (RPVs).

Roswell Fragment

This section details the ongoing mystery surrounding the Roswell incident. A man submitted a metal fragment to the Roswell UFO & Research Center, claiming it was from the crash. Analysis by New Mexico Tech revealed it contained copper, silver, and other elements, but the analyst, Chris McKee, stated it didn't prove extraterrestrial origin. However, it was confirmed not to be from a weather balloon or the Mogul test. The article also includes a letter from an individual claiming their grandfather was part of the cleanup crew after the Roswell crash and provided metal 'samples' and details about alien beings and their spacecraft.

Area 51 - What Are They Trying to Hide?

This article explores the secretive Area 51 military base, also known as 'Dreamland.' It discusses claims of secret projects, including 'mind control' weapons and extraterrestrial craft research. The article mentions the Soviet Union releasing images of the base in 1968 and 1983, leading to claims of new super-weapons being tested. It also touches upon the possibility of the base being used for research on crashed alien technology. The article notes the town of Rachel, near Area 51, has become a hub for UFO enthusiasts and mentions the renaming of Nevada State Route 375 to 'ET Highway.' It also discusses the alleged involvement of Bob Lazar, who claims to have worked at a secret facility (S-4) near Area 51.

Robert 'Bob' Lazar: Man or Myth?

This in-depth profile examines the controversial claims of Bob Lazar, who alleges he worked at Area 51's secret S-4 facility. The article scrutinizes Lazar's background, questioning his educational credentials and employment history, citing discrepancies found by researcher Stanton T. Friedman. It details his claims about reverse-engineering alien spacecraft and his alleged involvement in test flights. The article also touches upon his personal life, including marriages and financial dealings, and his move to Los Alamos.

UFOs Threaten Mars Mission

NASA is preparing for potential accusations of introducing dangerous extraterrestrial life forms to Earth through its Mars missions. The agency is concerned that its 2005 robotic mission to Mars, intended to collect samples, could be delayed or stopped if 'groups' claim these extraterrestrial life forms could be released on Earth. NASA is establishing quarantine stations in all US states and many other countries as a precaution.

Local Observation

A local observation from Gråbo, Sweden, on April 13, 1996, describes three round, bright points of light moving in a triangular formation at high speed, changing direction towards Lerum. The witness could not identify them as aircraft or bird flocks and noted the absence of sound.

NASA Prepared to Send 1 Million Signatures with 1997 Saturn Mission

NASA plans to send up to 1 million signatures to Saturn aboard its Cassini spacecraft in October 1997. The US Postal Service will handle the initial part of the journey, with NASA taking over from there. This initiative allows individuals to submit their signatures via postcards, which will be scanned and sent to Saturn. This follows previous NASA missions that have carried a few thousand signatures to other planets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of government secrecy, unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), and potential extraterrestrial contact. There's a clear interest in presenting evidence, witness testimonies, and investigative reports, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for verifiable proof. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities while maintaining a critical perspective, as exemplified by the inclusion of Bob Lazar's controversial claims and the scrutiny of his background.

Title: UFO-Kollen
Issue: July 1997
Publisher: UFO-Kollen
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-Kollen, a Swedish magazine focused on UFO phenomena, positions itself as a guide to the internet's vast resources on the subject. The cover headline boldly states, "Are you interested in the UFO phenomenon? Then the Internet is a pure goldmine!"

Internet Resources for UFOlogy

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to listing and describing various websites that cater to UFO enthusiasts. These include:

• THE UFO GUIDE by Nick Humphries: A comprehensive guide to international UFOlogy personalities.
• AREA 51/GROOM LAKE: A site focusing on the mythical UFO connections to the secret base, including alleged replication of crashed UFOs and extraterrestrial technology, mentioning Bob Lazar.
• STANTON T. FRIEDMAN'S UFO PAGE: Featuring monthly reports from Roswell expert and MJ-12 proponent Stanton T. Friedman, including his research and disputes with rival Kevin D. Randle.
• WALLY WORLD UFO: A personal website run by Walt Guimbellot, who shares his own observations and a new perspective on life.
• UK.UFO.NETWORK: Offers free, direct delivery of the latest UFO news via email.
• ID4-INDEPENDENCE DAY: Provides a preview of the upcoming Hollywood science-fiction film.
• ART BELL HOMEPAGE: Features the popular US radio show on UFOs and other unusual topics, with live listening options.
• IUFOG (Internet UFO group): A site with a vast number of links related to UFOs, managed by Dave Schmitz.
• ORION MYSTERY PAGE: Explores Robert Bauval's discoveries concerning the pyramids in Geza.
• The magazine also includes a link to its own website: `http://www.tripnet.se/home/west/ufosweuk.htm`.

News: Multi-Million Dollar UFO Museum Opens in Japan

A major news item reports the opening of a new multi-million dollar UFO museum in Hakui City, Japan, on July 4th. Funded by state money, the museum is set to host retired Major Commander Robert Dean for its opening ceremonies. Japanese government officials are quoted as saying the museum will contain genuine physical parts from UFO crashes and evidence of extraterrestrial bodies. This move is presented as Japan no longer waiting for Western governments to lift the veil of secrecy surrounding the UFO topic.

Book, Video, CD-ROM Reviews

Reviewed by Jörgen Westman:

• Video: ALIEN SEED: The reviewer harshly criticizes this film, calling it the absolute worst movie ever seen. Despite being intrigued by the mention of MJ-12, the film is described as having poor production quality, rubber masks, and an unbelievable story, akin to 'Plan 9 From Outer Space' but lacking charm.
• Video: X-FILES - The Unopened Files: This is described as a feature-length version of the confrontations between Mulder and Scully with MJ-12 and their connection to UFO phenomena. The plot involves a boy finding a train car with murdered aliens ('Greys') and a hacker uncovering coded MJ-12 documents, leading to the FBI agents investigating a conspiracy.
• THE AMERICAN EVIDENCE: The reviewer finds this video to be repetitive, relying on old footage and clichés without addressing contemporary UFO events. While potentially interesting for absolute beginners, it offers little new for those who have followed UFO phenomena for years.

The reviewer expresses frustration with the lack of new video evidence and investigations, criticizing sensationalized media coverage of the topic.

Next Issue Preview

The preview for the August issue mentions content such as "UFONEWS World Report July," "BORTFÖRANDEN" - UTOPI?, and "UFO-TEKNIK UNDER WW2."

Membership and Internet Version

Readers are encouraged to join the publication by becoming members to receive 'NÄRKONTAKT' (Close Contact) via mail and to check out the internet version of the magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly advocates for the internet as a primary source of information on UFO phenomena, providing curated links to various resources. There's a clear interest in government secrecy, alleged crash retrievals (Roswell, Area 51), and extraterrestrial technology. The reviews of media are critical, favoring content that is perceived as more serious or evidence-based, while dismissing sensationalism. The opening of the Japanese UFO museum is highlighted as a significant development, suggesting a potential shift in global attitudes towards UFO disclosure. The editorial stance appears to be pro-UFO investigation, critical of mainstream media's handling of the subject, and enthusiastic about the accessibility of information via the internet.