SAT-URNUS

Magazine Overview

This issue of SAT-URNUS, Volume 3, Number 4, from 1979, is a Swedish-language journal published by Sala Amatörförening för Tvärvetenskap. It covers topics including UFOlogy, Astronomy, Parapsychology, and other interdisciplinary subjects. The cover features a stylized graphic of Saturn with the magazine's title and a subtitle indicating its broad scope.

Articles and Content

Interpretation of the Old Testament

The issue begins with an editorial piece by 'Håkan' that addresses the reception of his previous articles on the credibility of the Bible. He defends his right to question religious texts and discusses the interpretation of the Old Testament. Håkan highlights that the Old Testament is largely a historical account concerning the Jewish people and their god, Yahweh. He points out that the Hebrew text originally lacked vowels, which were added around the 6th century AD by Masoretes, nearly 700 years after the text was written and when Hebrew was a dead language. This process, he argues, could have led to altered interpretations of words. Håkan uses an example from the Book of Zechariah (5:6-8) to illustrate how words like 'woman' and 'wickedness' could be interpreted differently, suggesting a more literal, perhaps scientific, meaning related to a dangerous substance rather than a moral failing.

Near-Death Experiences (NDEs)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to near-death experiences, drawing heavily on the work of American researcher Dr. Raymond A. Moody. The article "Gränslandet" (The Borderland) recounts a case from Gothenburg in the 1940s where a woman, clinically dead for five minutes, described her experience upon revival. She spoke of passing through a dark tunnel, encountering a bright, loving light, and feeling a sense of peace and detachment from her physical body. She also reported observing the scene from above, seeing the doctor and her husband. Another section, "Underbar Frid" (Wonderful Peace), further elaborates on Moody's research, summarizing interviews with over fifty individuals who had NDEs. Common elements reported include a feeling of intense peace and joy, the sensation of floating, and an encounter with a bright light. The article also touches upon the "Jesus Bride" phenomenon, where a woman claimed to have met Jesus after a near-death experience.

Further accounts detail experiences of weightlessness, seeing one's own body from outside, and encountering spiritual guides. One man describes seeing his body from above after a car accident, noting the detached observation of his broken legs and the medical team's efforts. Another individual recounts a profound sense of detachment from their physical form, feeling like a disembodied consciousness. The experiences are often described as transformative, leading to a loss of the fear of death and a greater appreciation for the spiritual self.

Ecological Concerns

An article titled "Miljöspalten" (The Environment Column) by Thor Heyerdahl addresses the "progress" of humanity and its impact on nature. Heyerdahl argues that civilization must not forget it is an integral part of nature. He criticizes the human tendency to view technological advancements as inherently superior to the natural world and warns that humanity has gone too far in altering ecosystems. The article emphasizes the delicate balance of ecological systems, where every organism plays a vital role. It highlights the negative consequences of human actions, including pollution, the extinction of species, and overpopulation, leading to widespread starvation and environmental degradation. Heyerdahl calls for a harmonious coexistence between civilization and nature, urging for the protection of natural areas and the implementation of laws to maintain ecological balance.

Physics: The Particle Accelerator

The magazine also features a technical article explaining particle accelerators, specifically linear accelerators. It describes how these machines, often hundreds of meters long, are used to increase the speed of subatomic particles. The article explains the basic principles of acceleration using electric fields and the role of alternating current in propelling particles through a series of cylinders. It details how these high-speed particles can be used to bombard atomic nuclei, potentially transforming elements, discovering new subatomic particles, and having practical applications in industries like food processing, plastics, and medicine. The article mentions Sweden's investment in an international particle accelerator project near Geneva.

Other Short Articles

Brief sections also cover "Jättelika 'Nya Maskar'" (Gigantic 'New Worms'), describing a newly discovered deep-sea worm in the Pacific Ocean, and "'Mördarbin' Har Blivit Fredliga" ('Killer Bees' Have Become Peaceful), discussing how Africanized bees in Brazil have become less aggressive due to crossbreeding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAT-URNUS reflects a broad interest in phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific understanding, including UFOs, parapsychology, and near-death experiences. There is a critical approach to established religious texts, advocating for reinterpretation based on linguistic and historical analysis. The magazine also demonstrates a concern for environmental issues and an interest in scientific advancements, particularly in physics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to question, explore, and consider alternative perspectives on life, death, and the universe.

This issue of "Radio till andra världar" (Radio to Other Worlds) focuses on the mysterious experiments of David Wilson and his unique radio receiver, alongside scientific discussions on the origin of Earth and reports of UFO phenomena.

David Wilson's Wave Detector

The lead article details the peculiar case of David Wilson, a lawyer by profession, who built his own radio receiver. During World War I, Scotland Yard and British intelligence became concerned about his transmissions, fearing a connection to German activities. Wilson's device, which he called a "wave detector," was confiscated but later returned when he was cleared of any wrongdoing. His experiments were reportedly aimed at determining the range of his receiver and its ability to penetrate the stratosphere.

Wilson was described as a man driven by an inner force to research hidden matters, both in this world and the cosmic universe. He was engaged in experiments with metals, wires, chemicals, and electric cells, seeking a new energy source and the ability to harness cosmic forces. The "His problem would then be solved," the article states.

The "wave detector" was described as a device resembling a radio receiver, incorporating a quartz crystal. This apparatus, weighing about 170 grams, had unusual properties: synchronized with an electric mechanism, the crystal emitted luminous flashes that, remarkably, spelled out words in Morse code. An engineer who examined the device described it as a portable wooden box lined with green flannel. Inside, a copper cylinder contained a substance similar to radium, emitting some form of radiation. Below this was a steel tube with two oscillators, a dry battery, and a microphone.

Initially, Wilson's machine produced a rapid series of dots and dashes, which a visiting telegraphist friend recognized as Morse code. The first deciphered message was in Spanish and requested a minor adjustment to the mechanism to improve reception. This confirmed that Wilson's machine could indeed 'speak'.

Wilson's machine exhibited peculiar behavior, functioning best between midnight and 4 AM, and operating optimally during dry months like May, June, July, and August in England. Following the initial Spanish message, a stream of messages in Morse code followed. These messages were often confusing and fragmented, but Wilson's friend diligently transcribed them. The most startling aspect was that the messages appeared to come from deceased individuals, many of whom provided their names, death dates, and even details about their passing.

Wilson meticulously documented these messages, and his notes, preserved after his death, provided a clear picture of his work. He had no prior knowledge of the occult or spiritualism, and was a skeptic of 'spirit messages'.

Seeking further understanding, Wilson contacted A.V. Peters, a psychic. Peters' presence initially caused interference and contradictory messages, but this eventually subsided, allowing the reception of the coded messages to continue. Peters received highly personal messages, including one from a deceased friend, Dawson Rogers, and another concerning Liss Scotherd, whom Peters later visited to verify the information.

Another notable message came from a deceased sailor named Pete, who described a small silver ring that had belonged to a child and was previously owned by Peters' father-in-law. These messages, the article suggests, served as proof of identity and continued existence rather than significant facts.

The wave detector also received messages in other languages, including Arabic, Italian, Russian, Greek, Portuguese, and French. Many of these were highly personal, expressing a desire for contact with the living, and sometimes included warnings or admonitions. The messages could become chaotic when multiple deceased individuals attempted to communicate simultaneously.

Examples of foreign-language messages included a Portuguese message from 'Tayeira' expressing thanks for communication after a long wait, and a Spanish message from 'Antonio' pleading for forgiveness, emphasizing Christian virtues.

Some messages were quite lengthy, exceeding 100 words. Wilson, unable to ask questions, could only receive what the apparatus transmitted. The article notes that many communicators insisted they had survived physical death and retained their memories.

Wilson faced a dilemma regarding the importance of these messages for the living and eventually contacted 'Light,' a metaphysical magazine in London, where some messages were published. While many intended recipients did not see the messages, some were eagerly received and the deceased senders were identified.

One message to Wilson came from someone identifying as A.C., recalling him from Redcliffe Gardens 28 years prior, mentioning two servants and a parrot. This message was sent with great difficulty.

An insistent communicator, calling himself 'Jonquill,' frequently interrupted other messages with disrespectful remarks. Wilson discovered that Jonquill could be silenced by shining a strong lamp in the room.

The article posits that the energy detected by the wave detector indicated the presence of life, and the communicators shared memories, ideas, emotions, and desires that spoke of immortality. Wilson, described as a man with profound insight, may have kept the construction of his wave detector secret to prevent it from falling into irresponsible hands.

Rumors suggest a copy of Wilson's wave detector was sent to Paris before March 1915, but its whereabouts and use remain unconfirmed. It is speculated that Wilson may have destroyed his apparatus before his death. His wife provided no information about the device, and Scotland Yard's records are inaccessible.

Despite numerous attempts by physicists and technicians worldwide to replicate Wilson's wave detector, none have succeeded. Experiments are ongoing at the 'Psychosomatic Research Communication Society' and 'The Spirit Electronic Communication Society,' with mechanisms developed by Metla and Van Zelst, and advancements reported with the 'Zwaan Super-ray device.' Other research groups mentioned include de la Warr Laboratories, Hammond Research Corporation, and various physicists in America.

Arthur H. Bird of Birson Laboratory in London is noted as having developed a mechanical construction comparable to Wilson's after 30 years of experimentation.

Scientific Theories on Earth's Origin

The issue also features a section on the origin of Earth. It states that scientists now believe Earth is at least 4.5 billion years old, a departure from earlier, more precise dating. The prevailing theory is that the entire solar system (Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, comets) formed as a single, unified entity, evidenced by the planets' orbits in the same direction and plane.

The article discusses the composition of the Sun and Earth, noting that hydrogen and helium constitute 99% of the Sun's mass but are rare on Earth due to its weaker gravitational pull. It suggests that planets might have originated from a different star than the Sun.

Pierre Simon de Laplace's 1796 nebular theory is presented, proposing that the solar system formed from a large, rotating, disc-shaped gas cloud ('urnebulosa'). As the cloud cooled and contracted, rings of gas detached and condensed to form planets. While admired for a century, Laplace's theory was later found to be mathematically improbable.

Modern nebular theories suggest the Sun was initially surrounded by a disc of gas and dust. As this nebula rotated, eddies formed, and denser accumulations of matter grew through gravitational attraction, eventually forming 'protoplanets' with gaseous envelopes. The Sun's increasing heat caused the gas envelopes of the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth) to dissipate, leaving Earth with only a small fraction of its original atmosphere. Mars, being smaller, also lost most of its atmosphere. The gas giants (Jupiter and Saturn) retained their atmospheres.

Catastrophic theories are also explored, proposing sudden events rather than gradual processes. One theory suggests a passing star created tidal waves of gas from the Sun, forming planets from this ejected material. Another theory involves a binary star system where the Sun's companion star exploded, and the planets formed from the remnants. The challenge with these theories is explaining the vast distances involved and the origin of the companion star.

The article then addresses the question of when Earth was created. Archbishop Ussher's 1650 calculation, placing Earth's creation on October 23, 4004 BC, is mentioned. However, geological studies and the discovery of radioactivity in the late 19th century revolutionized the understanding of Earth's age.

Radioactive dating, particularly the uranium-lead method, has revealed that parts of Earth's crust are over 3 billion years old, and the planet itself is likely at least 4.5 billion years old. Meteorites also provide age estimates of around 4.5 billion years.

Regarding the formation of continents, it is suggested that Earth's early molten state allowed heavier elements to sink to the core, while lighter elements rose. As the planet cooled, a crust formed. Continents may have formed from lighter elements pooling and solidifying, possibly originating from a single large landmass that later broke apart and drifted.

The early Earth's atmosphere was likely filled with water vapor, which condensed to form rain. However, the intense heat prevented this rain from reaching the surface until the crust cooled sufficiently, leading to a great flood and the formation of oceans. The current extent of oceans is attributed to ongoing contributions of 'juvenile water' from Earth's interior.

Other Articles

Bird Intelligence

A brief section discusses the remarkable navigational abilities of birds, noting their capacity to perceive the moon's position even without direct sight. It also mentions their ability to detect Earth's magnetic field, perceive invisible light waves, sense low-frequency sounds, detect air pressure changes, and identify common scents. The exact mechanism by which birds navigate remains a mystery.

UFO Incidents

The issue includes several reports of UFO sightings:

• Red-Purple Orb (Töreboda, Sweden): On September 30, 1978, seven people in Färge observed a red-purple orb with smoke-like trails moving horizontally. The object, described as appearing like a 'star' with a visible size of two-thirds of the full moon, traveled from north to south and disappeared into clouds. The total observation time was 1-2 minutes.
• Long, Yellow Object (Möklinta, Sweden): On November 22, 1978, a yellow, elongated object, approximately half a meter long, was observed moving slowly and steadily from southeast to southwest. It took nearly two minutes to cross the width of a barn roof (40 meters long) before gradually disappearing.
• Strong Light Phenomenon (Sala, Sweden): On November 24, 1978, a strong, unusual light phenomenon was observed in the sky. Described as a 'strange object' with a large light beam underneath, it appeared to move slowly, sometimes looking round and at other times oblong. It was larger than an airplane, and the light beam and tail of fire appeared and disappeared simultaneously. The object moved with incredible speed, spinning rapidly before vanishing. The total observation time was 4-5 minutes.

Conference on Life After Death

A five-day conference held in Innsbruck in September 1978, attended by six hundred scholars, focused on the question of life after death. The conference organizers, including Andreas Resch, discussed similarities in near-death visions reported by hundreds of people. These visions often involved deceased relatives appearing as 'messengers' and conveying a sense of ecstatic happiness. Dr. Resch, a Roman Catholic priest and professor of psychology, noted that these experiences are not exclusive to religious beliefs and can be shared by people of various backgrounds, potentially posing a threat to traditional religious doctrines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to have a strong interest in paranormal phenomena, including spirit communication, unexplained radio transmissions, and UFO sightings. It also engages with scientific inquiries into cosmology and geology, presenting various theories and research findings. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories without necessarily endorsing one over the others, while maintaining a critical perspective on claims, as seen in the investigation of David Wilson's case and the discussion of scientific evidence for Earth's age. The inclusion of UFO reports from Sweden suggests a focus on local and international unexplained events.

This issue, identified by the number '20' and presented as 'KORT NYTT' (Short News), features a collection of diverse articles touching upon health, cultural shifts, space exploration, and paranormal topics. The publisher is listed as Berghs, and the content is in Swedish.

Health and Longevity: The Tswana Tribe

The article "DE HÅLLER ARTÄRERNA UNGA" (They Keep Arteries Young) reports on medical research in a South African village belonging to the Tswana tribe. Scientists found that the elderly individuals in this tribe have arteries as healthy as those of young people in industrialized nations, with virtually no incidence of heart and circulatory diseases. The explanation provided is their diet, which is rich in fiber and contains little animal protein and fat. They consume grains, vegetables, fruits, and wild plants, with very little meat and milk. The article also notes that children are active, and adults remain so even in old age, and that very few of them smoke.

Civilization's Impact on the Hunza People

"CIVILISATIONEN SLÅR TILL MOT HUNZAFOLKET" (Civilization Strikes the Hunza People) discusses the changes occurring in the Hunza Valley, a region once remote and known for its inhabitants' exceptional health and longevity. The construction of the new Karokorum Highway connecting Sinkiang, China, and Pakistan is bringing 'civilization' to the area. According to columnist Ray Vicker, the Hunza people's vitality was attributed to their simple, natural diet and physical activity. However, with increased access to modern amenities, Vicker recounts an anecdote where a Hunza guide, after a meal of Heinz baked beans, consumed half a dozen candies and then expressed a desire to travel by bus rather than walk, stating, "Now we have a bus. We don't need to walk so much anymore."

Surprises from Jupiter

"ÖVERRASKNINGAR FRÅN JUPITER" (Surprises from Jupiter), attributed to The New York Times, details unexpected findings from the Voyager I spacecraft's mission to Jupiter in March. Scientists were surprised to discover that Jupiter possesses a ring system, similar to Saturn and Uranus, composed of dark particles. The ring is estimated to be less than 29 km thick and 8000 km wide, significantly narrower than Saturn's rings. This discovery supports astronomer Edourd Roche's 1849 theory that rings, rather than moons, might form within a planet's 'Roche limit'—a distance where the planet's gravitational forces would disintegrate a satellite.

Furthermore, Voyager I's cameras captured what scientists described as "the largest aurora ever seen by humans" at Jupiter's north pole, suggesting forces similar to Earth's northern lights are at play. This Jovian aurora was approximately 29,000 km long, more than twice the diameter of Earth.

The mission also revealed a surprising number of active volcanoes on Io, one of Jupiter's larger moons. Instead of a cold, cratered surface, Io displayed signs of volcanic activity with steam, falling ash, and flowing lava, marking the first instance of such phenomena observed outside Earth.

BOKNYTT (Book Reviews)

This section presents brief reviews of several books:

• "UFO-rapporten Vad US Air Force förteg och varför" (UFO Report: What the US Air Force Concealed and Why) by J Allen Hynek. This book is described as a new, exciting, and interesting work on the UFO problem, detailing efforts to understand them, which could potentially lead to a revolution in humanity's view of the universe. It is richly illustrated and published by Berghs.
• "Mellan dröm och verklighet" (Between Dream and Reality) by Eugen Semitjov. This book explores "the inner space," referring to the brain's unknown capacity and its unexplored parts, as well as psychic powers. It aims to depict what occurs within the PSI (paranormal) field, from serious research to extreme "brain fever." Published by Askild & Kärnekull.
• "Kosmiska krafter - och hur de påverkar oss" (Cosmic Forces - and How They Affect Us) by Guy Lyon Playfair and Scott Hill. This work examines the extent to which cosmic forces predetermine our lives, questioning why more people commit suicide in April and May and whether weather can be manipulated for military purposes. It is presented as the most thorough examination of this fascinating subject in modern times and is richly illustrated by Berghs.
• "Det förgångnas profet" (Prophet of the Past) by Erich von Däniken. This book contains "bold thoughts about space visits to Earth," with speculations that "aliens have promised to return." It is well-supported by the latest knowledge in modern research and technology, described as "a true Däniken."
• "Den yttersta makten - de nya ryska psykiska upptäckterna" (The Ultimate Power - The New Russian Psychic Discoveries) by Henry Gris and William Dick. Featuring unique photos, official reports, and documents, this book offers a fascinating account of people and events behind the success of Russian parapsychology. The authors conclude that the Kremlin is ready to use this knowledge in military contexts. Published by Berghs.

NUMRETS SAMSTA (This Month's Joke)

A short, humorous anecdote about two ghosts meeting on a dark, spooky night.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the impact of lifestyle and diet on health, the influence of external forces (civilization, cosmic powers) on human societies and individuals, and the exploration of the unknown, particularly in space and the realm of parapsychology. The magazine appears to present a broad interest in scientific discoveries, particularly in astronomy and space, alongside an openness to paranormal phenomena and alternative theories, as evidenced by the book reviews featuring authors like Erich von Däniken and discussions on Russian psychic research. The editorial stance seems to be one of curiosity and reporting on a wide range of intriguing topics, from the tangible effects of diet on health to the speculative nature of UFOs and cosmic influences.