SAT-urnus - 1979 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: SATURNUS
Issue: No. 2, Volume 3
Date: 1979
Publisher: Sala Amatörförening för Tvärvetenskap (S.A.T.)
Content Focus: UFO-logi (Ufology), Astronomy, Parapsychology, and related topics.

This issue of SATURNUS, a Swedish journal published by the Sala Amateur Association for Transdisciplinary Science, delves into a variety of subjects, ranging from cosmological theories and unexplained aerial phenomena to pressing environmental concerns.

Editorial and Organizational Matters

The issue begins with administrative details for S.A.T., including its address, contact information, subscription fee (30.00 Kr), and publication frequency (6 issues per year). It announces that S.A.T., along with Enköpings UFO-förening, has been entrusted by UFO-Sverige to act as a central group until the next national meeting. This central group's function is separate from the regular activities of the member organizations. The new central group consists of Birgitta Andersson (chairperson), Mats Nilsson (treasurer), Jörgen Granlie, Carl-Olov Pettersson, and Håkan Ekstrand (all members). The responsibilities for the central group's tasks, such as the reporting center and marketing, are being divided among the participating UFO organizations.

Philosophical and Scientific Discussions

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to exploring the concept of 'reality' and contrasting it with subjective experiences and beliefs. An excerpt from Per Ragnar's book "På väg mot en världsbild?" (On the Way to a Worldview?) is presented, questioning the common understanding of 'reality' and how it is defined in everyday life, political debate, and scientific inquiry. The text contrasts the scientific approach, which uses tools like telescopes and microscopes to map existence, with the church's concept of a spiritual existence. It critically examines the role of religion, suggesting that religious conflicts have historically been a major cause of war, and criticizes the perceived egoism within some religious practices.

Cosmological Theories: The Origin and Evolution of the Universe

The issue features a multi-part article on the origin and development of the universe, with "del 2" (Part 2) presented here. It revisits the static cosmological models discussed in the previous issue and then delves into expanding universe theories.

Einstein's Model and Early Expansion Theories

Einstein's 1917 relativistic model, which included a 'cosmic constant' to balance gravitational collapse, is briefly reviewed. The text then discusses W. de Sitter's solution, which suggested an expanding universe with zero density. The discovery of redshift later led to the idea that de Sitter's universe represented the final stage of an expanding universe.

Lemaitre's Expanding Universe Theory

Georges Henri Lemaitre's theory, proposed in 1931, is detailed. It posits that the universe expanded from a super-dense primordial state, a 'uratom' (primeval atom) containing all matter. This uratom, with a radius equivalent to the Earth-Sun distance, exploded in a 'superradioactive decay.' This process broke down the uratom into smaller, radioactive fragments ('atom stars') that spread out, eventually forming atoms. Lemaitre believed that residual radioactivity from this initial explosion, such as from long-lived elements like uranium, could still be detected. He proposed that the universe, though finite in size, is constantly expanding, its radius increasing over time.

Gamow's Theory

George Gamow's theory, developed in 1946, is presented as a more refined model of the expanding universe, also addressing the formation of elements. A key difference highlighted is Lemaitre's assumption of a finite universe versus Gamow's concept of an infinite universe. Gamow's model suggests that the universe began as an infinite gas of particles that expanded. The text illustrates the difference between Lemaitre's finite 'superatom' and Gamow's infinite 'mass points.' Theories originating from a primeval explosion are collectively termed 'Big Bang.'

Oscillating Universe and Current Understanding

The concept of an oscillating universe, where expansion is followed by contraction and then a new Big Bang, is mentioned but dismissed as theoretically impossible. Based on current astronomical data, the universe's expansion energy is greater than its gravitational energy, suggesting it will continue to expand indefinitely. The difficulty of conceiving an infinite universe is acknowledged, with the text suggesting that the human mind finds the concept of infinity more acceptable than the idea of boundaries.

The Continuous Creation Theory (Steady State Model)

This theory, proposed by Hermann Bondi, Thomas Gold, and Fred Hoyle in 1948, posits that matter (hydrogen atoms) is continuously created out of nothing in space. This creation rate matches the rate at which matter disappears beyond the observable universe due to expansion. The newly formed matter aggregates into clouds, eventually forming galaxies and stars. This model suggests the universe has always existed and will always exist in a similar state, hence it is also known as the 'stationary state model.' The creation rate was initially estimated to be extremely low, with one new hydrogen atom forming in a volume equivalent to an office building every century.

Alternative Interpretations of Redshift

While redshift is generally interpreted as evidence of an expanding universe, an alternative explanation is presented: the 'tired light' hypothesis. This theory suggests that light loses energy over its long journey, causing its wavelength to increase (redshift), without the galaxies actually moving away. However, the article concludes that, in the absence of other plausible explanations based on known physical laws, redshift is most likely due to the Doppler effect (movement).

Antimatter Theory

Swedish scientists Ernst Klein and Hannes Alfén proposed a theory involving matter and antimatter annihilating each other with immense energy release. They suggested that the early universe was a uniform distribution of matter and antimatter. Gravitational forces caused contractions and collisions, leading to the release of vast amounts of radiation. The 'Leidenfrost phenomenon' is invoked to explain how matter and antimatter might have coexisted without immediate annihilation, with a layer of vapor acting as an insulator between clumps of matter and antimatter, similar to how a water droplet floats on a hot surface.

Environmental Issues: Ocean Pollution

A section titled "MILJÖRUTAN" (The Environmental Corner) addresses the critical issue of ocean pollution. It highlights that water covers four-fifths of the Earth's surface, and the remaining land is becoming increasingly crowded. With the human population projected to double by 2000, the oceans are seen as a vital future food source, but current practices are described as 'predatory drift.'

Sources and Impacts of Pollution

The oceans are being used as dumping grounds for waste from various countries. Beyond natural erosion products and biodegradable material, the seas are now receiving oil, chemicals, insecticides, and plastics. Natural oceanic purification mechanisms cannot cope with these pollutants. The article notes that DDT has been found in seals and penguins in the Arctic and Antarctic, far from where these substances are produced. It cites Thor Heyerdahl's observations of vast accumulations of debris, particularly plastic waste and oil residues, being transported by ocean currents across vast distances.

Consequences for Marine Life and Ecosystems

Most of this waste remains in the upper water layers, where it is biologically active and produces oxygen. However, recent studies show a decline in plankton in the Atlantic, which could negatively impact fisheries. Beaches are littered with debris, and marine life such as algae, crabs, and mussels are disappearing. Estuaries, where rivers carry waste from entire continents, are heavily polluted, lacking normal animal and plant life. Certain rivers are so contaminated with chemicals that their surface water is flammable. River mouths are crucial breeding grounds for many fish species that are important food sources for humans. The increasing pollution is leading to the extinction of fish populations in these areas.

Biological Impacts and Warnings

Havsbiologiska forskningsinstitutet has documented symptoms of disease and poisoning in various fish species, including plaice, eels, and sole, leading to economic losses and health risks. Areas receiving industrial waste show particularly severe damage. The article suggests that ocean pollution could be halted through global planning, as seawater has a strong regenerative capacity. However, it warns that if pollution continues, a point may be reached where damage is irreparable. Professor Jacques Piccard is quoted as issuing a stark warning: "I have been able to ascertain that it is already very late. Perhaps it is already too late. In any case, we do not have much time left..."

Astronomical Discoveries

Gigantic Black Hole Discovered

Astronomers in Australia, using a four-meter optical telescope, have discovered what they believe to be a gigantic black hole that is consuming a star weekly. Dr. Alan Wright from the Anglo-Australian Observatory described it as potentially the most active phenomenon ever discovered. Located 10 billion light-years away, it is estimated to be 100 light-years wide. The article explains that black holes, though theoretically described as collapsed stars or galaxies, are phenomena of unimaginable density, where light cannot escape.

Soviet Union Claims Discovery of Atlantis

Soviet scientists claim to have photographic evidence supporting the existence of the legendary sunken continent of Atlantis, located between Portugal and Madeira. Eight images are reportedly being prepared for release to the press.

UFO Reports

Light Stream Downwards

On August 11, 1978, at 20:45, in Säffle, Värmland, instructor Evert Svedenvik observed a spherical object with an irregular tail of light directed straight down. He described its apparent size as 15-20 cm in diameter at a distance of 5 meters, with a half-meter tail. He estimated its actual distance to be about 2 kilometers. The object moved horizontally until it disappeared behind a mountain. The total observation time was five minutes. Svedenvik also noted that his radio equipment experienced interference.

Numbers Seen in the Sky

On August 21, 1978, at 19:10, in Köping, Västmanland, two nurses and a priest's wife observed the numbers "1986" formed by blue-grey clouds against a clear sky. They were confused and wondered if it was a religious message. Similar phenomena have been reported abroad, but this was reportedly the first time in Sweden. The numbers were clearly visible and appeared to be about three decimeters in size. They saw the numbers disappear one by one, starting with the '1' and ending with the '8'.

Object Larger Than a Passenger Plane

On August 23, 1978, at 20:45, in Närke, Örebro, Lars Olof Rehnberg and his fiancée Pia Holmberg observed a large, blinking object in the air. Rehnberg described a bright, blinking light that was both white and red, pulsing along the entire object. He estimated it to be larger than a passenger plane. The object moved from south to west at an altitude of approximately 400 meters and about 20 meters above the rooftops, remaining visible for about three minutes. They were shocked by the sighting. Rehnberg later learned that his friend had experienced lighting and TV interference, and a drying cabinet in the bathroom had started on its own.

Five Objects Observed Twice

On November 11, 1977, at 17:45, in Skultuna, Västmanland, radio amateur Jan-Erik Larsson observed two instances of five round, luminous objects in tight clusters. The objects moved rapidly and changed positions relative to each other, disappearing behind trees and houses after about 15 seconds. Larsson described the intensity and size of the objects as comparable to the glow of a round street lamp seen from 300 meters away. He noted that the objects had a somewhat fuzzy edge and flew in a disorganized manner. He also stated that he could not observe any tail behind the objects, which would indicate friction with the atmosphere.

The report from the UFO-Information center suggests that while the objects could be a fragmented meteor, the occurrence of two such events with five fragments each, within minutes of each other, is unlikely. The absence of a tail is also noted, as burning meteors typically produce one.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Saturnus demonstrates a clear interest in phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding, including UFOs and parapsychology. The magazine engages with speculative scientific theories, such as those concerning the origin of the universe and the existence of antimatter, presenting them for reader consideration. There is a critical yet open-minded approach to these topics, as seen in the discussion of reality and the examination of different cosmological models. The inclusion of environmental concerns, particularly ocean pollution, indicates a broader interest in global issues and their potential impact. The editorial stance appears to be one of inquiry and exploration, presenting diverse perspectives and reports for an informed readership.

This issue of KEMI, dated July 12, 1968, from Vecko Journalen, focuses on the fundamental principles of chemistry and explores a potential new natural force detected by engineer Werner Donne. The magazine is primarily in Swedish.

Atoms Form Compounds

The lead article, "Atomerna bildar föreningar" (Atoms form compounds), explains the basic concepts of chemical reactions. It differentiates between physical changes, where a substance's form is altered but its identity remains the same (e.g., crushing coal), and chemical changes, where new substances are formed. The article uses the example of burning wood, where carbon atoms in the wood combine with oxygen molecules from the air to form carbon dioxide. It illustrates this with diagrams showing atomic weights and molecular weights, such as magnesium atoms combining with oxygen to form magnesium oxide. Other examples include the burning of metals like magnesium, iron filings, and sodium in air to produce their respective oxides. The article also touches upon the chemical reactions in the human body, where carbon from food combines with oxygen during a slow combustion process to release energy.

It explains that hydrogen burns in air to form water (hydrogen oxide), and that simple chemical reactions occur between metals and sulfur, such as when a silver spoon tarnishes due to sulfur in eggs, forming silver sulfide. The formation of common salt (sodium chloride) from highly reactive sodium metal and toxic chlorine gas is presented as a prime example of how chemical compounds can be entirely different from their constituent elements. The article also briefly mentions the powerful chemical reaction that occurs during lightning, where nitrogen and oxygen in the air combine to form nitrogen oxides, which then dissolve in rainwater to create nitric acid, contributing to plant nutrition.

A New Signal From Space?

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the research of civilingenjör (civil engineer) Werner Donne. For three years, Donne has been using specialized photocells to detect a rhythmic, unknown natural force that seems to peak in spring and autumn and may influence all living things. The article poses several intriguing questions that Donne's research aims to address, such as: Why do potatoes sprout in dark, constant temperature conditions? Why are blood clots and heart attacks more common in certain months? What is the deeper cause of ice ages? How can people at different locations suddenly experience a feeling that suggests telepathy? Why does sediment in lakes and seas sink in a varying pattern? Why do blood coagulation tests sometimes yield inconsistent results simultaneously across distant laboratories? Why do suicides peak in spring, and normal deaths in winter? And why do many people feel unwell or even sick during low-pressure weather systems?

Donne's investigation began with a malfunctioning photocell, initially intended for a light-measuring instrument. This photocell, when connected to a recorder, produced peculiar, rhythmic curves. He discovered that these curves showed strong correlations with passing low-pressure systems, with particularly strong signals observed in August. Donne, who came to Sweden from Russia and has a background in optics, has collaborated with medical professionals on optical systems. His current work at LKB-produkter involves developing equipment for biochemical and medical applications.

The article highlights the concept of adsorption – the ability of substances to attract and hold other substances, like liquids or gases – as a common factor in many of the phenomena Donne is investigating. He hypothesizes that an unknown natural force might be triggering variations in adsorption. The research draws parallels with the work of Italian physicist Giorgio Piccardi, who studied the precipitation of inorganic substances and found patterns related to annual and eleven-year cycles, which he linked to solar activity (sunspots).

Donne's photocell readings showed strong peaks in February, coinciding with Piccardi's findings. Further research by others has indicated that blood coagulation rates vary with environmental changes, and that cold and warm fronts can affect this process. The article notes that Swedish medical research shows less interest in these climate-health connections compared to other European countries.

Donne's experiments involve using glass tubes containing substances like activated carbon and gaseous carbon tetrachloride, or kieselguhr and water. Changes in adsorption cause these substances to shift within the tubes, and the photocell records these movements. He has been able to isolate a signal from space, distinguishing it from other phenomena, but its exact nature remains unknown.

Donne's research suggests that the signal is strongest during two periods: February-April and August-October. It is also influenced by high-altitude clouds that refract sunlight. The phenomenon affects adsorption in sealed glass tubes; when adsorption decreases, the photocell shows a falling curve, and when it increases, the curve rises. The measurements are not affected by electricity, heat, light, X-rays, radioactivity, air pressure, or lightning. Donne speculates that a layer might form on the photocell's electrodes when adsorption increases, thinning and disappearing when it decreases.

He proposes a working hypothesis that the Earth passes through an invisible dust cloud in space, which emits this signal. Possible sources include cometary dust or vast clouds of gas and dust particles that form stars. The rhythmic nature of the signal suggests a connection to the Earth's axial tilt and its position relative to these cosmic dust clouds.

Telepathy, "Sixth Sense"

The article connects Donne's findings to the possibility of telepathy. It suggests that seemingly telepathic experiences might be instances where individuals are simultaneously exposed to the same unknown signal from space, influencing their physiological states differently. For example, one person might experience a feeling of unease while another, exposed to the same signal, dies.

Men in Black

Another section discusses the phenomenon of "men in black" (MIB), described as mysterious agents who allegedly try to silence UFO witnesses. Experts like Dr. Ron Westrum, a professor of sociology, believe these individuals might be agents from organizations like the CIA, tasked with suppressing information about UFOs. Stan Gordon of the Pennsylvania Center for UFO Research recounts an incident where a man in a black suit confiscated photographs of footprints and destroyed the evidence. Dr. Allen Hynek, head of the Center for UFO Studies, shares an account of a pilot who was warned by "men in black" to remain silent about his UFO sighting. Other anecdotes include instances of phone tapping, break-ins, and threats related to UFO research. The article cites National Enquirer and the translation is provided by Gunilla Hellgren.

Predicting the Weather

A separate article, "Att förutsäga vädret" (Predicting the weather), explains various meteorological instruments used to measure atmospheric conditions. It describes thermometers (mercury and spirit), barometers (mercury and aneroid), anemometers (for wind speed), rain gauges, and hygrometers (for humidity). The article explains how these instruments work and how their readings are used to forecast weather. It mentions that Luleå had 14 degrees Celsius and Falun received five millimeters of rain, illustrating the use of these measurements.

The Earth - A Carousel

The final section, "JORDEN – EN KARUSELL" (The Earth - A Carousel), begins a series on astronomy. It challenges the notion that the sun moves around the Earth, explaining that it is the Earth that rotates on its axis, creating the illusion of the sun's movement. It defines a solar day as 24 hours and introduces the concept of the Earth's rotation from west to east, causing the sun to appear to move from east to west. The article uses an analogy of a carousel to illustrate this rotational motion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science and unexplained phenomena. The chemistry articles provide foundational knowledge, while the research on Werner Donne's detected force bridges physics, meteorology, and biology, suggesting a holistic view of natural forces. The inclusion of the "men in black" phenomenon and the astronomical series indicates a broad interest in mysteries, both terrestrial and cosmic. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry, encouraging observation and questioning established norms, as suggested by the quote about an instrument failure leading to new insights.

This document is an excerpt from the book "Världsalltets Lagar" (Laws of the Universe) by Joachim Herrmann, published by Berghs Förlag. It delves into the physical evidence that supports the theory of Earth's rotation, moving beyond Copernicus's initial geometrical reasoning.

Physical Evidence for Earth's Rotation

Falling Stones Experiment

The article begins by describing a thought experiment: dropping a stone from a tall tower on a windless day. It explains that the stone will land slightly to the east of the base of the tower. This phenomenon is attributed to the Earth's rotation. A specific example is given of an experiment conducted in the Trebrödraschaktet (a shaft) in Freiburg, Germany, which is approximately 160 meters deep. Stones dropped there landed about 2.8 cm to the east. This eastward deviation corresponds to the expected effect of the Earth's rotation, as points higher up on the tower are farther from the Earth's center and thus move faster in an eastward direction due to rotation. As the stone falls, it enters regions with slower eastward speeds, but due to inertia, it retains its initial eastward momentum, causing it to land east of the point directly below where it was dropped.

The principle of inertia is likened to a car braking suddenly, where passengers are thrown forward. The falling stone, similarly, maintains its eastward velocity.

Cannonball Example

Another illustration involves firing a cannonball from the Earth's equator directly north. The projectile would deviate slightly to the east. This effect is also cited as a significant factor in the movement of atmospheric air masses, influencing prevailing winds like the trade winds, and explaining why west and south winds are dominant in temperate zones of Central Europe.

Foucault's Pendulum

The article then introduces Leon Foucault's famous pendulum experiment, conducted successfully in 1851. A pendulum swinging in a fixed plane in space will appear to have its swing plane slowly rotate clockwise relative to the ground. This apparent rotation is not due to any force acting on the pendulum itself, but rather because the Earth is rotating underneath it. The experiment is best understood when performed at one of the Earth's poles, where the pendulum's plane would appear to complete a full circle in 24 hours relative to the ground. The rate of rotation slows down as one moves away from the poles towards the equator, where the effect is not observable at all.

The Foucault pendulum experiment was first performed with a 67-meter-long pendulum in the Pantheon in Paris.

Source Information

The article cites "Världsalltets Lagar" by Joachim Herrmann, published by Berghs Förlag, as its source.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The excerpt strongly supports the scientific consensus regarding Earth's rotation, presenting empirical evidence and physical principles to validate the theory. The stance is educational and aims to explain complex scientific phenomena in an accessible manner, using historical experiments and clear analogies. The focus is on providing concrete, observable proof for a fundamental astronomical concept.