SAT-urnus - 1978 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: SAT-URNUS
Issue: Nr. 2, Årgång 2
Date: 1978
Publisher: Sala Amatörförening för Tvärvetenskap (SAT)
Content: A journal covering UFO-logy, Astronomy, Parapsychology, and more.

Editorial and News

HEJSAN section provides updates from the Sala Amatörförening. Activities include outdoor evenings for stargazing and planet observation using telescopes. The section also reports on the UFO-Sverige national meeting held on March 18th, which featured speeches by Thorvald Berthelsen (chairman), Carl-Axel Jonzon (founder), and a presentation on UFO-Sverige's history. Riksdagsman Anders Gernandt spoke about ancient cultures and their advanced weapons, while astronomy docent Aage Sandqvist discussed conditions for intelligent life in the universe. Lieutenant Colonel Anders Hjulström addressed the military's stance on UFOs, revealing a collaboration between UFO-Sverige and the defense forces. A panel debate followed, focusing on the government's secrecy regarding UFO cases.

The issue also mentions the European premiere of the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and notes that while an increase in UFO observations was anticipated, only retro-active observations were received. The next issue of SATurnus is expected around June 7, 1978.

Parapsychology: An Introduction

This section delves into the field of parapsychology, defining it as the study of psychological phenomena beyond the usual or normal. It explores the history of parapsychology, tracing its roots back to primitive religious practices and magic, and how it evolved through various cultural and religious systems. The article highlights key figures like Emanuel Swedenborg and Professor William Crookes, who investigated spiritualistic phenomena. The formation of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) in England is discussed, with founding members including W. Barret, H. Sidgwick, lord Rayleigh, William James, Charles Richet, and Henri Bergson. The text quotes H. Sidgwick expressing dismay at the continued skepticism towards these phenomena.

It notes that serious research began in the early 20th century, with significant contributions from scientists in the Soviet Union and the USA, particularly Professor Rhine's work on telepathy. The article mentions astronaut Mitchel and Olof Jönsson's alleged telepathic contact from the moon. Swedish research is described as modest, with mentions of Martin Johnson and Nils-Olof Jacobson as prominent Swedish names. The article laments the underfunding of parapsychological research in Sweden, despite earlier Swedish contributions.

Parapsychology Terminology

• A glossary of parapsychological terms is provided:
• ESP (Extrasensory Perception): Intuitive awareness.
• PSI: A communication system assumed to exist between all life.
• Astralkropp (Astral Body): An energy body said to surround living beings, which leaves the body during dreams or death.
• Automatisk Fenomen (Automatic Phenomena): Unconscious automatic writing or speech.
• Backstereffekt: A link enabling communication between all living beings, and possibly non-living entities.
• Bio-energi: Energy associated with living things, which can be directed by thought.
• Kirlianeffekt: Luminescence around objects in a high-frequency field.
• Klärvoajans (Clairvoyance): The ability to see things and events without sensory mediation.
• Magi: Divination, sorcery, black magic.
• Meditation: Deep relaxation, an inward-looking contemplation.
• Medium: A person with ESP abilities.
• Poltergeistfenomen: Physically unexplained noises and movements, often attributed to telekinetic phenomena.
• Prekognition: The ability to know future events or conditions.
• Psykokinesi (PK): The mind's direct influence on matter, including movement and structural changes.
• Psykometri: The ability to gain information about people or events through an object.
• Psykotronik: The interplay between consciousness, energy, and matter.
• Reinkarnation: Rebirth into the earthly life.
• Retrokognition: Obtaining information about past events through psychic means.
• Seans (Séance): A spiritualist gathering.
• Suggestion: Influencing someone's thoughts or beliefs.
• Telekinesi: Affecting objects through psychic concentration.
• Telepati: Thought transference.

The article concludes this section by emphasizing the concept of universal unity, where individual consciousness is part of a shared consciousness, quoting Francis Thompson: "You cannot touch a flower without disturbing a star."

Research Methods in Parapsychology

Two main research approaches are discussed: the American model using laboratory experiments and statistical analysis, and the study of individual, spectacular cases. The primary goal of both approaches is to establish the existence of paranormal phenomena.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

The Weeping Madonna: This article recounts the mystery of a wooden Madonna statue in Rocca Corneta, Italy, that began to 'weep' tears in 1957. Despite scientific analysis confirming the liquid as human-like tears and film evidence from 1959, skeptics attributed it to a hoax. The statue was later X-rayed, revealing it to be hollow. A commission placed the statue in a bank vault, yet it continued to weep intermittently over 100 times until 1976. The phenomenon remains unexplained.

MYSTISKT HIMLAFENOMEN INTE MYSTISKT? (Mysterious Sky Phenomenon Not Mysterious?): This report addresses a UFO sighting in Central Sweden, Finland, and the Soviet Union on September 20, 1977. Numerous reports described a bright light phenomenon. UFO-Sverige's investigation concluded that the phenomenon was likely caused by the Russian launch of KOSMOS 955. Despite media reports calling it a "flying saucer," the article suggests that Soviet scientists were likely not pre-informed about the launch, leading to initial confusion. A strange, pungent smell was reported by some witnesses.

DET ÄR INTE VI SOM SER TEFAT (It's Not Us Seeing Saucers): This section details an incident on October 10, 1977, near Västerås, Sweden, where members of UFO-Sverige observed an orange, planet-sized light moving north. The object was visible for about 15 seconds. Post-incident checks confirmed no aircraft were in the area, suggesting it was an ordinary, albeit interesting, observation for their alert system.

FÖNSTERFÖRSETT OBJEKT (Window-Fitted Object): On November 10, 1977, in Skogsbo (Avesta), Sweden, two anonymous witnesses observed a round object with a red front, appearing like a window, which descended and flew horizontally. The object later returned, backed up, rotated, and then departed. It was described as silver-colored with markings, approximately two meters in diameter, and observed at an altitude of about 20 meters. The weather conditions were noted. The observation is deemed inexplicable.

Special Feature: "How to Lift a Person with Only Your Index Fingers!"

This article describes an experiment called the "hand pyramid," where four people attempt to lift a fifth person using only their index fingers. Initially, placing fingers in the person's knee and armpits makes it nearly impossible. The next step involves placing hands on the seated person's head, with fingers interlocked. After resting for about half a minute, the four lifters attempt to lift the person, who is often raised several centimeters. The article states that researchers cannot explain this phenomenon, which is described as working "one hundred percent."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and parapsychological events, from a perspective that seeks rational explanations but acknowledges the existence of mysteries. There is a clear effort to inform the public and engage them in the investigation of these topics, as evidenced by the UFO-Sverige alert system and the detailed explanations of parapsychological terms. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging further research and discussion while critically examining claims.

This issue of Ny Teknik, dated 15/77, titled "SANNING ELLER...?" (TRUTH OR...? ), delves into a variety of intriguing topics, from paranormal phenomena like levitation and psychic photography to scientific investigations and the critical assessment of evidence. The magazine also includes a report on global energy resources.

Levitation and Hand Pyramids

The article "LYCKAS ALLTID" (Always Succeeds) describes a levitation technique, referred to as a "hand pyramid," where individuals can lift objects, including people, using only their fingertips. This phenomenon is said to be achievable regardless of the size or strength of the lifters and the person being lifted. The article notes that this technique is also practiced in India and Tibet, citing the example of sacred stones in Shivapur that can be lifted by placing fingertips beneath them and invoking "Omar Ali Darvesh." The text suggests that the origin of this ability is linked to a holy man who bestowed supernatural properties upon the stones, and that no natural explanation has yet been found.

Similar accounts come from Tibet, where Lama monks are said to be able to lift stones weighing several hundred kilograms through mere hand placement. The article encourages readers to try lifting a bed by placing their fingertips under its corners, noting that while it doesn't always work, it provides a fantastic feeling when successful. The hand pyramid is presented as a method to convince even skeptics that not everything is as rational as commonly believed.

The Truth or...? The Rumor Mill

"SANNING ELLER...?" (TRUTH OR...?) addresses the challenge of distinguishing truth from falsehood when archiving and investigating UFO events. The authors explain that rumors often become distorted as they spread, and their work involves tracing these stories back to their source to determine their veracity. The article presents a humorous anecdote about a chain of command misinterpreting an order regarding a solar eclipse, illustrating how messages can be corrupted. This story symbolizes the magazine's approach to verifying information, emphasizing the importance of reaching the original source.

Energy Resources

A report titled "Olja och gas räcker 103 år" (Oil and Gas Last 103 Years) details a study conducted by the Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR) for the West German government. The report highlights a surprisingly positive outlook on oil and natural gas reserves. It estimates known oil reserves at 98 billion tons, with undiscovered reserves potentially reaching 192 billion tons. Similar proportions apply to natural gas. The study concludes that fossil energy resources will last for 103 years, and known uranium deposits for 30 years if used in thermal fission reactors.

A Hindrance on the Path

"ETT HINDER PÅ VÄGEN" (A Hindrance on the Path) is a philosophical essay reflecting on humanity's quest for understanding itself and its surroundings. The author posits that while humanity has explored much of the planet, its perception of reality is limited by the capabilities of its senses. The essay argues that our current societal systems, including laws and religions, are built on shaky foundations and that a lack of spiritual development has led to a deficiency in perspective, leaving civilization vulnerable. The author suggests that our sensory limitations (sight, hearing, etc.) restrict our perception of a much larger, unknown reality, and that expanding these senses could fundamentally alter our understanding of the world.

"Supernatural" Photographs

"BILDER AV ANDAR, TANKAR OCH FLYGANDE TEFAT" (Pictures of Spirits, Thoughts, and Flying Saucers) and "MATERIALISATIONSFENOMEN – FOTOGRAFERING AV ANDAR" (Materialization Phenomena – Photographing Spirits) explore the history and challenges of photographic evidence for paranormal phenomena. The article discusses how photography, while powerful for objective recording, is also susceptible to manipulation. It highlights the category of photographs that are rarely discussed outside of limited circles, often serving as evidence for philosophical, religious, and metaphysical questions rather than artistic ambition.

Unanswered Questions

This section poses several questions regarding such photographs: What is real and what is fake? What is belief versus knowledge? What phenomena are accessible to scientific study? What are the capabilities of photographic technology for both accurate recording and manipulation? What prejudices do these unusual photographs face? The article acknowledges that while explanations and counter-explanations exist, many questions remain unanswered. It also notes the commonality between spirit photography and UFO photography, as both often occur under unclear circumstances and are seen by few.

"Supernatural" Photographs Long Known

The text traces the history of "supernatural" photography back to the 1800s, mentioning claims of individuals influencing photographic plates with their thoughts. The late 19th century, particularly the 1860s and 1870s, saw a peak in this type of photography. Societies dedicated to studying "supernatural" images existed in Britain and on the continent between 1919 and 1923. The article cites works like James Coates' "Photographing the Invisible" and Tomokichi Fukarai's "Clarvoyance and Thoughtography" as significant publications, though notes that Fukarai's work is notably absent from some parapsychological dictionaries, possibly due to its controversial nature. Early parapsychological images faced significant criticism from psychologists and scientists.

August Strindberg's Photographic Experiments

August Strindberg's experiments with photography in the 1890s are detailed. He sought to reveal the subjective nature of human perception and explore the camera's potential to capture reality beyond the visible. Strindberg experimented with capturing images on photographic plates without a camera or lenses, producing images of what he interpreted as the moon and the sun, described as luminous clouds and flames. He also attempted to photograph the night sky, producing images of star fields. These "celestographs" were considered by Strindberg to be more accurate representations of celestial bodies than astronomical images, which he believed were merely depictions of telescope lenses. Strindberg also attributed magical powers to photographic portraits, believing they could be used for manipulation.

Materialization Phenomena – Photographing Spirits

This section discusses materialization phenomena, prevalent between 1870 and 1920, where images of deceased individuals were allegedly captured during séances. These apparitions were described in various forms, such as luminous spheres, fabric scraps, or masks. The process involved a medium who could supposedly convey the thoughts of spirits. The article highlights the involvement of scientists like physicist and chemist Sir William Crookes, who investigated the phenomena involving medium Florence Cook and the alleged spirit of Katie King. Despite scientific scrutiny and later exposure of medium tricks, some spirit photographers continued their work into the 1920s. Notable works on the subject include "Materialisations-phänomene" by Max Schrenk-Notzing and "Eusapia Paladino and her phenomena" by Hereward Carrington. Séances often took place in dim red light or complete darkness, with cameras and dark draperies present.

Mystery of Ted Serios – The Thought Photographer

"MYSTERIET TED SERIOS – TANKEFOTOGRAFEN" (The Mystery of Ted Serios – The Thought Photographer) examines the phenomenon of Ted Serios, an American who, in the 1950s and 1960s, claimed to produce images in a camera solely through his thoughts. These "thought pictures" were subjected to rigorous scientific investigation. Serios's ability was discovered by a colleague who noticed his clairvoyant tendencies. Initially, Serios used his colleague's camera, but later acquired his own. When these "thought images" continued to appear, he resorted to Polaroid cameras. Psychiatrist and professor Jule Eisenbud extensively documented Serios's abilities in his book "The World of Ted Serios." Experiments involved Serios holding a camera, often with a cardboard tube called a "gismo" near the lens, while focusing on a specific object or place. The resulting images, developed by witnesses, depicted the subject of Serios's thoughts rather than his own face. Serios exhibited physical symptoms during these sessions, such as increased pulse, trembling, sweating, and dizziness. Eisenbud's research was met with criticism, notably from magician The Fantastic Randi, who claimed to have debunked Serios. However, Eisenbud challenged Randi to replicate Serios's feats under controlled conditions, a challenge Randi ultimately declined.

Photographs of Flying Saucers

"FOTOGRAFIER AV FLYGANDE TEFAT" (Photographs of Flying Saucers) discusses the Condon Report, a 1969 study from the University of Colorado that investigated UFOs. The report concluded that UFO investigations are unfruitful and that UFOs are likely misinterpretations of known phenomena, not extraterrestrial spacecraft. The report faced criticism from scientists like J. McDonald. The article notes that tens of thousands of UFO observations have been registered, but only a small fraction exist as photographs, and these often lack good technical quality. K. Gösta Rehn, author of several UFO books, attributes the scarcity of good UFO photos to the brief duration of sightings, the lack of immediate access to cameras, and the fear of disbelief and harassment. The article also addresses the issue of fake UFO photographs, describing common methods of deception, such as throwing saucer-like objects in front of cameras or using light reflections. Eugen Semitjov's book "De otroliga tefaten" (The Incredible Saucers) is mentioned for its examples of alleged forgeries. However, the article emphasizes that not all UFO images are fake, and some have undergone rigorous photographic analysis, though the circumstances of their capture may remain unclear.

"FATOMBLADET" and Kirilan Photography

"FATOMBLADET" OCH KIRILANFOTOGRAFIN" (The "Fatombladet" and Kirilan Photography) introduces Kirilan photography, a method developed by Russian physicist Viktor Adamenko. This technique involves exposing photographic film to a high-frequency, high-voltage electric field without a camera. The most famous result is the "fatombladet" (phantom leaf), an image of a leaf from which a piece had been cut before exposure, yet the entire leaf was depicted. Adamenko interpreted this as evidence of a "bioplasma body," akin to an "etheric body." The article notes that psychologist Thelma Moss at the University of California, Los Angeles, has been a key figure in researching Kirilan photography in the USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Ny Teknik exhibits a consistent interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, including levitation, psychic photography, and UFOs. The magazine adopts a critical yet open-minded approach, emphasizing the importance of evidence, source verification, and rigorous investigation. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, it also explores potential explanations, including misinterpretation, hoaxes, and the limitations of human perception and technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical inquiry and the exploration of the unknown, while remaining grounded in the pursuit of verifiable facts. The inclusion of articles on energy resources suggests a broader interest in technological and scientific advancements relevant to society.

Title: Aktuell Fotografi
Issue Date: December 1976
Country of Publication: Sweden
Original Language: Swedish

This issue of Aktuell Fotografi delves into several intriguing topics, including astronomical discoveries, advancements in photography, and reports of unexplained phenomena.

Astronomy: Evidence for a New Planet?

The lead article, "ASTRONOM HAR BEVIS FÖR EN NY PLANET I VÅRT SOLSYSTEM" (Astronomer Has Proof of a New Planet in Our Solar System), reports on the findings of New York-based astronomer Henry Courten. Courten believes he has discovered a celestial body orbiting the sun closer than Mercury. His evidence comes from a series of photographs taken during solar eclipses in 1966 and 1970. Courten plans to present his findings at an international symposium.

However, not all astronomers are convinced. Brian Marsden, a leading astronomer in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is skeptical. While Courten suggests the object is small, less than 800 km in diameter, and about 15 million km from the sun, Marsden remains unconvinced. The article revives the historical debate about the planet Vulcanus, which was once hypothesized to explain Mercury's slightly irregular orbit. Jean Joseph Leverrier had predicted such a planet in 1859, but Einstein's theory of relativity in 1915 offered an alternative explanation for Mercury's orbital anomalies. Courten, however, posits that an asteroid or small planet could exist without significantly altering Mercury's orbit in a way that contradicts relativity.

Kirlian Photography Advancements

Another section discusses advancements in Kirlian photography. Technician Kendall Johnson, working with Russian descriptions, developed a Kirlian apparatus. After numerous failed attempts to cut and photograph leaves, they succeeded in obtaining images showing drawings and structures outside the cut portion of the leaf in late 1973. The article notes that complete drawings and kits for Kirlian apparatuses are now available for purchase in the USA, suggesting potential future applications like photographing recently lost body parts.

Cryptozoology: The Ogopogo Monster

The article "PÅ JAKT EFTER MONSTER" (Hunting for Monsters) addresses the elusive creature known as Ogopogo. While there is no official confirmation of its existence, reports persist of a shy creature approximately 15 meters long, green, and slimy, fitting the description of a typical lake monster. A spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that a 80-member diving expedition searching for the creature had not attracted significant attention from either the monster or the local population of about 53,000 in western Canada. Despite this, some locals claim to have sighted the sea monster at least four times during the summer.

UFO Observation Patterns

Page two of the magazine features a series of diagrams under the heading "RÖRELSE- OCH FORMATIONSMÖNSTER VID OLIKA UFO-OBSERVATIONER" (Movement and Formation Patterns During Various UFO Observations). These diagrams visually represent different shapes, formations, and flight paths attributed to UFOs, serving as a visual guide for cataloging sightings. The page also includes contact information for the SALA AMATÖRFÖRENING (SALA Amateur Association) and UFO-Informasjon in Oslo.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in unexplained phenomena, ranging from astronomical mysteries and photographic curiosities to cryptozoological reports and UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories for readers to consider, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for further investigation. The inclusion of diagrams illustrating UFO patterns suggests an effort to standardize observation reporting and analysis within the UFO community.