SAT-urnus - 1977 No 6

Magazine Overview

Title: SAT-URNUS
Issue: Nr. 6, Årgång 1
Year: 1977
Publisher: Sala Amatörförening för Tvärvetenskap (SAT)
Language: Swedish
Content Focus: UFO-logy, Astronomy, Parapsychology, and more.

Editorial Introduction and Content Overview

The issue begins with an editorial note explaining the new format of SAT-URNUS, which aims to be more manageable and will include approximately five articles per issue, along with other news and short articles. Each issue will feature a two-page spread on UFO events, primarily from the local region (Uppland and Västmanland) but also from other parts of Sweden. The editors encourage reader contributions such as letters, questions, and thoughts. The name 'Saturnus' was chosen to symbolize the organization, referencing the planet's astronomical significance and its mythological association with Zeus's father, and also because 'SAT' are the first three letters of the organization's name. The magazine intends to cover a wide range of topics, believing that many subjects, even seemingly disparate ones like oceanography, ultimately stem from a common source.

A report details a training course for field researchers held in Lersta, outside Kolsva, on September 24-25. Organized by the central group (Köpings UFO-förening), the course covered interview methodology, witness psychology, and common pitfalls in documenting UFO cases, with practical exercises and demonstrations of phenomena like light flares and parachute flares.

The magazine announces plans to demonstrate home experiments in future issues, which are considered by many to be direct evidence of unexplained phenomena. The editors refrain from taking a stance on these experiments, leaving the interpretation to the reader.

The next issue of SAT-URNUS is expected on November 16th.

Introduction to Astronomy

The first article, 'Introduction to Astronomy,' serves as a brief overview of the subject, with more in-depth coverage planned for later issues. It touches upon humanity's drive to explore and understand the universe, from early modes of transport to space travel. The article emphasizes that much of the work in astronomy is done by 'earthbound' astronomers, including amateurs. It defines the universe as infinite and immeasurable, but acknowledges that humanity can only explore the parts it can perceive. Our understanding of Earth's place has shifted from being the center of the universe to a small part of a larger system.

The observable universe is estimated to have a diameter of 20 billion light-years, with an age of 15-20 billion years. The article explains that what we see in the sky are stars, grouped into constellations and galaxies. Our own galaxy is the Milky Way, with nearby galactic neighbors like the Magellanic Clouds. The vast distances involved are illustrated, with the closest galaxies being 150,000 light-years away and the most distant observable ones up to 2 billion light-years away. It is estimated that hundreds of millions of galaxies exist within our universe, and collisions between galaxies can be detected through radio emissions.

The expansion of the universe is discussed, supported by the observation of redshift in galactic spectra, indicating that galaxies are moving away from us at increasing speeds. This phenomenon is linked to the work of Edwin Hubble and the concept of Hubble age.

Understanding Stars and the Solar System

The article defines a star as a self-luminous body of glowing gases, where hydrogen is converted into helium. Stars are formed from the contraction of nebulae, dust, and gas clouds. When a star exhausts its hydrogen, it shrinks and becomes a white dwarf. The article also mentions neutron stars (small but massive) and supergiants (extremely large). Stellar brightness can vary dramatically, with novae temporarily increasing in luminosity. Binary star systems, where one star periodically eclipses another, also cause variations in brightness. Cepheid variables are highlighted for their importance in determining stellar distances due to the direct relationship between their pulsation period and absolute luminosity.

The concept of time as the fourth dimension, introduced by Einstein, is presented as a useful unit of measurement for astronomical distances, with light-seconds and light-years being key units. The article briefly mentions quasars as enigmatic energy sources at the edge of the observable universe.

The focus then shifts to our solar system, which includes the Sun, nine major planets, and smaller bodies like comets and asteroids. The planets are listed in order from the Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. The eccentric orbit of Pluto is noted, which sometimes places it closer to the Sun than Neptune.

Asteroids are described as thousands of small planets orbiting mainly between Mars and Jupiter. Comets and meteor showers often follow highly eccentric orbits, with some suggesting certain comets may never return to the Sun's vicinity.

Technical terms related to planetary motion are explained, including 'conjunction' (when a planet, Earth, and Sun are aligned) and 'opposition' (when a planet is opposite the Sun from Earth's perspective, appearing closest and brightest). 'Elongation' refers to a planet being farthest from the Sun.

Celestial Navigation and Constellations

The article explains that due to Earth's spherical shape, not all stars are visible from every point on its surface. At the North Pole, stars appear to move parallel to the horizon, and all visible stars are circumpolar. At the equator, the celestial equator passes directly overhead, and the celestial pole is on the horizon. Stars are classified as circumpolar if they are always visible from a particular latitude. The article provides a method to calculate which stars are circumpolar based on one's latitude and declination.

It then introduces two main constellations for orientation: Ursa Major (the Great Bear), containing the Big Dipper, and Orion. Ursa Major is circumpolar north of 40° N, making it visible in Sweden year-round. Orion is located on the celestial equator and is visible globally. The article notes that the apparent distances between stars in the Big Dipper are misleading, with Alkaid being the farthest from Earth (210 light-years) and Alioth the closest (65 light-years).

Detailed descriptions and diagrams are provided for 'Orientation Map 1' (Ursa Major and surrounding constellations like Ursa Minor, Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Boötes, Virgo, Leo, Lyra, Cygnus, Auriga, and Gemini) and 'Orientation Map 2' (Orion and its associated constellations like Taurus, Pleiades, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Gemini, Cetus, and Hydra).

Astronomical Research and Future Missions

The article briefly mentions Betelgeuse as a red giant star so large that the Sun and Earth's orbit could fit inside it.

It then discusses astronomical research, citing sources like 'Astronomi-Iain Nicolson Forums färg' and 'På verklighetens tröskel' by Lars Sjöström & Mats Christoffersson. A section on 'Remote sensing of the entire moon via dual satellite' details NASA's plans for an unmanned dual satellite mission in 1980 to map the moon from a 100 km altitude. The mission aims to answer questions about the formation of Earth and the Moon, the Moon's core, its magnetism, potential water ice in polar regions for a moon base, and internal movements. Eight experiments are planned, including gamma-ray, X-ray, and reflection spectroscopy for chemical mapping, and spectro-stereo imaging for structural analysis. Magnetometers and electron reflection will map the moon's electrical and magnetic properties, while other experiments will study heat flow and gravity.

Another section, 'Radio telescopes placed in orbit around Earth,' discusses NASA's plan for a space telescope to be placed 500 km above Earth. This telescope is expected to provide ten times better resolution than ground-based telescopes, overcoming atmospheric distortion. The unmanned telescope will operate for 15 years, weighing approximately 6.8 tons, measuring 13 meters long and 4 meters in diameter, with a primary mirror of 2.4 meters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine, SAT-URNUS, positions itself as a publication for an amateur association interested in interdisciplinary science ('Tvärvetenskap'). It aims to explore topics that may lie on the fringes of conventional science, such as UFOs and parapsychology, alongside more established fields like astronomy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and stimulation of reader interest, encouraging exploration of diverse subjects and reader participation. While presenting scientific information, it also acknowledges and plans to feature phenomena that are considered unexplained by mainstream science, suggesting a broad and inclusive approach to knowledge.

Title: UFO-Information
Issue: 6/76
Date: 1976
Publisher: UFO-Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-Information covers a diverse range of topics, from maritime legends and scientific explanations to environmental concerns and unexplained aerial phenomena.

The Flying Dutchman

The issue begins with the legend of the "Flying Dutchman," a ghost ship said to be eternally cursed to sail the seas. The article recounts its origin story, involving Captain Hendrik van der Decken's defiance of God in 1680 near the Cape of Good Hope. It then details alleged sightings of this spectral vessel, including an incident in 1939 off the coast of South Africa where a ship resembling the Flying Dutchman was seen sailing towards the dunes before vanishing. Another account mentions King George V's encounter with the ghost ship, which was followed by a fatal accident. A 1942 sighting near Table Bay is also described.

Scientific Perspectives

Energy Generation from Earth's Rotation

A section explores the concept of "cyclone generators" that utilize Earth's rotation to produce energy. These generators, requiring structures hundreds of meters high, harness the Coriolis force to create cyclones. The article mentions designs by Edgar Nazare and Börge Mönnike, estimating significant power output for large-scale installations and noting that their construction costs are estimated to be one-third of those for nuclear power plants.

The Structure of Atoms

This part of the magazine delves into the fundamental building blocks of matter: atoms. It explains that most elements in nature are combinations of simpler substances called grundämnen (elements). The atomic structure is described as consisting of a nucleus and orbiting electrons. The article details how atoms combine to form molecules, using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a prime example, illustrating the sharing of electrons between oxygen and carbon atoms. It also introduces the concepts of protons and neutrons within the atomic nucleus, noting their masses and the positive charge of protons.

The text further elaborates on atomic weights, using oxygen (16 units) and carbon (12 units) as examples. It explains how these weights determine the proportions in chemical compounds, such as carbon dioxide, where two oxygen atoms combine with one carbon atom. The formation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) is also discussed, highlighting the importance of atomic weights in chemical reactions.

Illustrations on page 4 and 5 visually represent atoms and molecules, including hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon atoms, and a carbon dioxide molecule. The text also touches upon isotopes, explaining that atoms of the same element can have varying weights due to different numbers of neutrons.

UFO Sightings and Phenomena

Intelligent Constructions on the Moon?

This section presents a fascinating hypothesis about intelligent constructions on the moon. It discusses photographs taken by Soviet (Luna 9) and American (Orbiter-2) lunar probes in 1966. These images revealed peculiar stone formations arranged in geometric patterns, leading to speculation that they might be artificial structures created by intelligent beings. The article cites analyses suggesting these formations align with geometric principles found in ancient Egypt, such as the "abaka" figure associated with Egyptian pyramids. NASA's official stance is that they are aware of the photos but have no immediate plans for further investigation.

UFO Incidents in Sweden

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to UFO reports from Sweden. Several detailed accounts are presented:

• Sala (February 1, 1974): Witnesses observed several disk-shaped objects hovering and then moving east, eventually dissolving into a cloud.
• Skövde (May 20, 1975): A powerful, bright object, described as much larger than Polaris, was seen moving northwest.
• Hedemora (May 27, 1975): Two people witnessed a yellow-red sphere moving rapidly north.
• Katrineholm (October 12, 1975): A formation of five luminous grey-white discs was observed moving northwest.
• Tärnsjö (December 6, 1975): A jumping, yellow and red object, likened to Jupiter in size, moved erratically before heading east.
• Fagersta (December 27, 1975): An oval object with pulsating red and green lights was seen moving at high speed.
• Kolsva (January 20, 1976): A bright yellow object circled over a forest, causing reflections on the treetops.
• Nyköping (September 30, 1976): A formation of 15-20 objects flew in a V-formation, appearing to ascend to a higher altitude and shining brightly.
• Sala (December 21 & 22, 1976): Vibrating light waves in various colors were observed, followed by a dark purple sphere that descended and disappeared.

Environmental Concerns

The Ocean as a Global Dump

This article highlights the severe pollution of the world's oceans. It states that vast quantities of hazardous materials, including lead, cadmium, mercury, oils, and radioactive waste, are dumped into the sea annually. Despite the ocean's immense volume, the article emphasizes that its chemical composition is being altered, and that mixing processes are much slower than previously assumed, with density layers (pycnoclines) acting as effective barriers. The accumulation of substances like DDT and radioactive fallout in marine life and food chains is a major concern. Thor Heyerdahl's warnings about the dangers of ocean pollution are mentioned, noting that it took his widely publicized expeditions for the issue to gain broader public attention.

Other Brief Reports

• Transparent Venus Clouds: Soviet probes revealed that Venus's clouds are more transparent than Earth's, allowing sunlight to pass through without significant absorption. No magnetic field was detected.
• High-Speed Camera: A Soviet "time-loop" camera capable of capturing 20 million images per second is described, used for studying rapid processes like plasma formation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, from the supernatural legend of the Flying Dutchman to the unexplained aerial phenomena reported by witnesses. There's a clear interest in scientific explanations for natural phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed articles on atomic structure and energy generation. However, the inclusion of numerous UFO reports and the discussion of potential alien intelligence on the moon indicate a strong focus on the unexplained and the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement. The environmental section underscores a concern for the planet's health, highlighting human impact on natural systems. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both scientific findings and anecdotal evidence of unexplained events, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond the ordinary.

This issue of *Forskning och Framsteg* (Research and Progress), dated July 1976 (Issue 7), focuses on the pervasive problem of "Oxygen-consuming waste" and its impact on the environment, particularly marine ecosystems. The magazine delves into various forms of pollution, their sources, consequences, and the nascent legal frameworks attempting to address them.

Syreförbrukande avfall (Oxygen-Consuming Waste)

The opening section discusses how human waste, historically returned to the land as fertilizer, became a problem with urbanization. The development of sewage systems, while seemingly advanced, led to the discharge of waste into rivers and ultimately the sea, disrupting natural cycles. This practice, especially the introduction of flush toilets, broke the ecological loop, necessitating the artificial production of fertilizers for agriculture. The article highlights the concept of eutrophication, where excess nutrients from sewage lead to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and the formation of hydrogen sulfide in water bodies. It notes that phosphorus, a key nutrient, is largely lost to the sea, requiring reliance on mineral phosphorus from phosphate deposits. Statistics from the USA in 1970 indicate significant annual contributions of phosphorus and nitrogen to waterways from municipal waste and agriculture.

För mycket näring (Too Much Nutrients)

This section elaborates on eutrophication, particularly in coastal areas with weak tides like the Baltic Sea. It describes how algal overproduction reduces water transparency and how the decomposition of this organic matter consumes oxygen, leading to the formation of hydrogen sulfide. This process supports the growth of slimy algae along shorelines. The article emphasizes that this disrupts the ecological balance, with phosphorus being transported unidirectionally into the sea, with little returning to land. The need to find ways to recycle phosphorus from the sea is stressed, with Swedish treatment plants' phosphorus precipitation being a step in the right direction.

Industrins avfall (Industrial Waste)

This part addresses the dumping of industrial byproducts and waste into the sea. Despite public opinion against it, such practices continue, sometimes with efforts to conceal them. The article cites figures from the USA in 1968, where large quantities of pesticide waste, sulfur, refinery products, cellulose industry waste, and ammonium sulfate/sodium cyanide were dumped off its coasts. West Germany, the Netherlands, and Great Britain are also mentioned for their significant dumping of various industrial chemicals, including sulfuric acid, iron sulfate, gypsum, arsenic residues, and waste from power plants and coal mines. Swedish and Norwegian researchers found traces of polychlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons in fish from the North Sea and Atlantic, linked to dumped waste. These substances, like DDT and PCBs, are persistent environmental toxins that accumulate in fatty tissues and affect reproduction, leading to declining seal populations in the Baltic due to high PCB levels.

Metallavfall (Metal Waste)

Metals are a significant component of waste. The article focuses on mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic. It recounts the Minamata disease in Japan, caused by methylmercury chloride from a polyvinyl chloride factory, which led to severe neurological disorders and deaths. Similar cases occurred in Niigata. Lead from tetraethyl lead in gasoline has increased its concentration in surface waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean. Cadmium is identified as a bone-weakening environmental toxin, with cases of poisoning in Japan. The dumping of arsenic waste is discussed, contrasting a planned dumping of 7 tons of arsenic in the Atlantic by a Finnish tanker with the much larger, ongoing annual discharge of arsenic by Rönnskärsverken into the Bothnian Bay, questioning the public outcry over the former.

Oljespill i havet (Oil Spills at Sea)

This section details the effects of oil spills, including tar balls and slicks, on beaches and marine life. Despite prohibitions in certain areas like the North and Baltic Seas, oil dumping from ships, including intentional tank cleaning, continues. The article estimates that 4.613 million tons of oil are added to the sea annually, with significant portions coming from tanker transport, industrial and municipal waste, and oil drilling. The "Torrey Canyon" disaster is mentioned as an example of a large-scale oil spill. It also notes that atmospheric deposition of hydrocarbons may contribute significantly to marine oil pollution.

Fast avfall från fartyg (Solid Waste from Ships)

Ships often dispose of their waste and garbage by dumping it into the sea, causing problems for fishermen in busy shipping lanes. Despite limited capacity at port terminals, dumping is often preferred due to cost. While dumping from ferries in Scandinavian waters is prohibited, it still occurs. The article also touches upon the practice of sinking old boats, cars, and other scrap metal to create artificial reefs, noting that while they can support marine life, they can also leak fuel and hazardous substances.

Plast (Plastic)

Plastic degrades very slowly, and plastic bags can smother life on the seabed. Plastic waste is found widely in the sea, with observations of high concentrations off Beirut and along beaches. The article notes that plastic products are ubiquitous in marine environments.

Sänkning av krigsmaterial (Dumping of War Material)

This section reports on the controversial dumping of 3,000 tons of nerve gas by the US Army in the Atlantic Ocean in 1970. The gas, contained in concrete-encased steel containers, was sunk in deep water despite strong protests from scientists. The operation involved the Liberty ship "Le Baron Russel Briggs." Similar dumpings of chemical weapons occurred after World War II, with Allied forces sinking large quantities of mustard gas in areas like the Bornholm Deep. Despite claims of safety, incidents involving fishermen being injured by leaking mustard gas containers have occurred.

Radioaktivt avfall (Radioactive Waste)

While seawater has natural radioactivity (from potassium-40), nuclear bomb testing and releases from nuclear reactors have increased this. Atmospheric nuclear explosions have been a major source, introducing fission materials like cesium-137 and strontium-90 into the oceans. Low-level radioactive waste from nuclear-powered submarines and power plants is also regularly discharged. The article notes that while controlled releases are managed, atmospheric fallout from bombs has spread more evenly.

Framtiden (The Future)

The article concludes by acknowledging that only a few examples of waste dumping have been presented and that obtaining accurate data from Eastern Bloc countries is difficult. It poses the question of what humanity will do with increasing waste volumes, suggesting that infinite dumping is not a solution. Recycling is presented as a viable alternative, with an example of gypsum potentially being reused in the construction industry.

Lagar (Laws)

This section outlines international efforts to regulate and control marine pollution. It mentions conventions on oil discharge from ships (1958), prevention of dumping from ships and aircraft (Oslo Convention, 1972), prevention of pollution from ships (1974 London Convention), and prevention of pollution from land-based sources (Paris Convention). The article notes that many of these conventions have not been ratified by all states. It also discusses the ongoing UN conference on the law of the sea, which is expected to establish a 200-nautical-mile economic zone for coastal states, potentially limiting the applicability of international conventions.

Rymdskrot (Space Debris)

A brief note reports that the US military command (Norad) tracks over 10,000 man-made objects in space, including satellites and rocket stages. Most remain in orbit, while many have re-entered Earth's atmosphere.

BOKEN (Book Review)

This section reviews "Tvärsnitt genom tillvaron" (Cross-section of Existence) by Gösta Ehrensvärd. The book is described as a personal exploration of macro- and microcosmos, life on other planets, creation, and energy solutions, blending scientific research with personal reflections. It is praised for its ability to make complex topics understandable.

RYMDSKEPP PÅ NYUPPTÄCKTA GROTTMÅLNINGAR? (Spaceships in Newly Discovered Cave Paintings?)

This short piece mentions the discovery of cave paintings in Baja California, Mexico, depicting large humans and animals, with some figures resembling spaceships or helicopters. These paintings are noted as being distinct from traditional Aztec and Maya art.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are environmental pollution, particularly marine pollution, and the human impact on natural systems. The magazine highlights the multifaceted nature of pollution, encompassing sewage, industrial waste, heavy metals, oil, chemical weapons, and radioactive materials. There is a clear editorial stance advocating for greater environmental awareness, responsibility, and the implementation of stricter regulations and international cooperation to mitigate these problems. The issue underscores the urgency of finding sustainable solutions, such as recycling, and questions the long-term viability of current waste disposal practices. The tone is informative and cautionary, aiming to educate the public about critical environmental challenges.