SAT-urnus - 1980 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: SAT-URNUS
Issue: Nr. 2, Årgång 4
Date: 1980
Publisher: Sala Amatörförening för Tvärvetenskap (S.A.T.)
Content: A Swedish magazine covering UFO-logy, Astronomy, Parapsychology, Physics, Chemistry, and historical mysteries.

Editorial and Organizational News

The issue begins with news from UFO-Sverige, noting their election as Sweden's Central Group for the second consecutive year. It announces the unfortunate withdrawal of the organization's founders and information publishers, which has necessitated the creation of a new magazine titled "UFO-SVERIGE-AKTUELLT." The article appeals for financial contributions to support this new publication, providing a postgiro number for donations.

Article: Do Plants Have Intelligence?

This section explores the controversial idea of plant intelligence, referencing the work of biologist Raol France from the early 1900s. France proposed that plants move and react to their environment as readily as animals, but at a much slower pace, making their actions difficult for humans to perceive. The article details how plants exhibit purposeful movement, such as a climbing vine seeking support, and how they can sense and react to their surroundings. Examples include the Venus flytrap's precise capture of insects and parasitic plants' ability to locate hosts. The text suggests plants possess a form of awareness, reacting to stimuli like light, smell, and even electrical or magnetic influences. It highlights research indicating plants can perceive sounds beyond human hearing and colors outside the visible spectrum, and are sensitive to X-rays and high-frequency waves. The author concludes that plants are living beings with communication, personality, and a soul, and that humanity's view of them as mere automatons is a product of its own limitations and blindness. The article laments humanity's destructive impact on nature.

Article: A Supernova "Lit" the Sun

This extensive article, attributed to TAURINA and translated/adapted from Scientific American (October 1978), discusses the formation of the solar system and the role of supernovas. It explains that supernovas are rare, massive stellar explosions that occur roughly three times per century in our galaxy. These explosions eject vast amounts of matter into space. The article posits that two supernovas exploded near our solar system's nascent gas and dust cloud about 4.7 billion years ago. The shockwaves from the second supernova are believed to have compressed the cloud, initiating a condensation process that led to the formation of the planets and the ignition of our sun. Evidence for this theory comes from the isotopic composition of minerals found in meteorites, which differs from that commonly found on Earth and suggests an origin from supernova remnants. The article details the chemical layering within massive stars that eventually leads to their supernova explosion, creating heavy elements like iron and nickel in their core. It also touches upon the movement of galactic spiral arms and their role in compressing interstellar matter to form new stars and planetary systems. The text emphasizes the improbable coincidence of two supernovas exploding so close to the solar nebula within a short timeframe, suggesting it was a crucial event for our solar system's genesis.

Article: What is Matter?

This section, part of a series on Physics and Chemistry, defines matter as anything that has mass and occupies space. It explains that matter exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas, each characterized by the movement and arrangement of its constituent particles (atoms, molecules, or ions). The article delves into the atomic structure, describing atoms as composed of electrons, protons, and neutrons. Electrons carry a negative charge, while protons are positively charged, and neutrons are neutral. The nucleus, containing protons and neutrons, accounts for most of the atom's mass. Atoms are typically electrically neutral, with the positive charge of protons balancing the negative charge of electrons. The text explains how atoms can form bonds, either through shared electron pairs (covalent bonds, forming molecules like CO2) or by the transfer of electrons, creating charged ions that form ionic bonds, as seen in table salt (NaCl). It discusses the states of matter in relation to particle movement and energy, explaining how heating and cooling affect these states and the transitions between them (melting, freezing, boiling, condensation). The article also briefly touches upon the relationship between matter and energy, referencing the atomic bomb as an example of matter converting into energy, and vice versa.

Article: There Have Been Giants on Earth

This article explores the controversial topic of giants, presenting evidence from archaeology, mythology, and the Bible. It begins by referencing a debate where an archaeologist, de Mottier, denied the existence of giants, contrasting with the view of delegate de Lovis Burkhalter, who considered their existence a scientifically established fact. The article cites findings of oversized tools and artifacts, such as hand wedges weighing several kilograms and measuring up to 32 cm long, suggesting they could only have been handled by beings approximately 4 meters tall. It lists three scientifically accepted finds that point to the existence of giants: the Java Giant, the South Chinese Giant, and the South African (Transvaal) Giant. The text then turns to biblical accounts, quoting Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:34, which describe giants (Nephilim and Anakim) living on Earth. It also references Deuteronomy 3:11, providing dimensions for the basalt sarcophagus of Og, king of Bashan, as nine cubits long and four cubits wide, which translates to approximately 4.14 meters and 1.84 meters respectively. The article argues that these biblical descriptions are not symbolic but refer to literal beings involved in practical matters like warfare. It also mentions myths from Mayan and Inca cultures about giants. The author, citing Professor Denis Saurat, argues that the construction of megalithic structures like menhirs and dolmens, some reaching twenty meters in height, is impossible to explain without the involvement of giants due to the immense technical skill and labor required for their transportation and placement. The article concludes by posing the question of whether giants built these structures.

Article: Did Giants Build Caves?

Continuing the theme of giants, this section discusses the exploration of deep caves, some 60-80 meters deep, in the mountains. The article describes these caves as having remarkably straight passages that are sometimes interrupted or diverted, suggesting they were not naturally formed but were shaped by an immense force. The preserved sections of the caves exhibit perfect symmetry and smooth, precisely worked surfaces, comparable to modern concrete vaults. The author notes the absence of any visible joints or assembled parts, indicating they were formed as a single, monolithic structure. The article highlights the sharp, right-angled edges and granite ledges that rise in stages, appearing as if recently constructed. The author then shifts to the megalithic structure of Sacsayhuaman in Peru, visited by the author and his friend Hans Neuner. They describe the site not as ruins but as a "super-building" with modern technical finesse. The article questions the conventional explanation that these massive stone structures were built by ancient humans using simple tools, suggesting that the precision and scale of the work imply advanced technology, possibly including chemical methods for stone cutting and transportation, which were beyond the capabilities of ancient peoples.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics that challenge conventional scientific and historical narratives. It champions the investigation of phenomena like UFOs and parapsychology, advocating for an open-minded approach to seemingly fantastic theories. The articles on plant intelligence, the formation of the solar system through supernovas, and the existence of giants all suggest a universe far more complex and mysterious than commonly understood. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question established beliefs and consider alternative explanations, particularly when archaeological and historical evidence seems to contradict them. There is a recurring theme of humanity's limited perception and understanding of the natural world and its history.

This issue of the magazine, titled "UFO" and identified as Volume 7, Issue 10, dated July 1979, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, ancient mysteries, and scientific advancements. The cover story focuses on "Hypnos" (Hypnosis), exploring its role in UFO investigations and the reliability of witness testimonies obtained under hypnosis. The magazine also features articles on enigmatic ancient structures in Peru, the potential for space-based manufacturing of medicines and materials, and astronomical observations.

Ancient Mysteries and Archaeological Enigmas

The issue presents an investigation into the megalithic structures near Sacsayhuaman in Peru. The author questions the conventional archaeological explanations for the perfectly worked, massive granite blocks, suggesting they are part of a sophisticated, ancient construction system built by unknown beings. The article posits that these structures likely predate the Inca fortress. Similarly, the magazine discusses the mysterious pits found in Cajamarquilla, Peru. These hundreds of man-made pits, averaging 1.7 meters deep and 6.6 meters in diameter, are presented as an enigma. While archaeologists suggest they were grain silos, the author expresses skepticism, finding the explanation unconvincing due to the effort involved and the practicalities of storing grain in such confined spaces.

The Role of Hypnosis in UFO Investigations

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the use of hypnosis in UFO research, particularly concerning alleged alien abductions. The article highlights the famous Betty and Barney Hill case, where hypnosis was used to retrieve memories of an abduction and medical examination. It discusses other similar cases and the challenges in distinguishing between factual recall and fantasy under hypnosis. Experts like William McCall and Leo Sprinkle are quoted, emphasizing that individuals under hypnosis can be highly suggestible and may fabricate information or substitute facts with fantasies. An experiment conducted by UFO investigators Lawson and De Herrera is described, where participants under hypnosis recounted stories that were remarkably similar to documented UFO abduction cases, even without prior knowledge of the phenomenon. However, critics point out that controlled experiments differ from real-life investigations, where witnesses are not prompted with scenarios.

The article also explores the case of a woman on Long Island who reported a UFO encounter. This experience was later revealed to be a misinterpretation of an advertising plane, demonstrating how strong emotional experiences and suggestibility can lead to the creation of elaborate narratives, even physical symptoms like nausea, which were later attributed to psychological factors rather than a genuine UFO event.

Space Exploration and Future Technologies

The magazine touches upon the advancements in space exploration, specifically mentioning the Space Lab project. It highlights how the microgravity environment in orbit can be utilized as a unique factory for producing new medicines and materials. Examples include the potential for creating purer vaccines and manufacturing urokinase, a blood clot dissolving enzyme, more efficiently. The article also notes the development of new alloys and crystals with superior properties, suggesting that space-based products will become commonplace.

Scientific Measurements and Astronomical Observations

Another section of the magazine explains how the Earth's mass is determined. It details historical methods, including using pendulums to measure gravitational pull and Cavendish's experiment involving a large lead weight and a small lead ball to measure gravitational attraction. The current estimate for Earth's density is given as 5.517, resulting in a mass of approximately 5.980 trillion tons. The issue also includes an astronomical guide, 'Djurkretsen' (The Zodiac), detailing the changing appearance of the night sky in the western horizon from April 15th to June 1st, illustrating the movement of constellations and stars as the Earth orbits the sun.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the limits of scientific understanding, and the human psyche's role in interpreting phenomena. The magazine appears to maintain a critical yet open stance towards UFO reports, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and caution against accepting anecdotal evidence at face value, especially when hypnosis is involved. There's a clear interest in ancient civilizations and their advanced capabilities, juxtaposed with modern scientific endeavors like space exploration and the measurement of fundamental physical constants. The editorial stance seems to encourage critical thinking and a scientific approach to extraordinary claims, while acknowledging the enduring mystery and fascination surrounding UFOs and unexplained events.

This issue, dated May 28, 1980, delves into astronomical concepts and touches upon health-related research. It explains celestial phenomena in an accessible manner, alongside presenting statistics and scientific findings.

Astronomy: The Ecliptic and the Zodiac

The issue begins by explaining the apparent movement of stars and constellations in the night sky, noting how they change with the seasons. It introduces the concept of heliacal rising and setting of stars. The primary cause for these seasonal changes is attributed to the sun's slow, apparent movement through the zodiac, which is a reflection of Earth's annual orbit around the sun.

Figure 17 illustrates the morning sky in the east, showing how constellations like Gemini, Canis Minor, and Cancer appear to shift from August 1 to September 1. The text explains that the sun's apparent path across the sky, which traces the plane of Earth's orbit, is called the ecliptic. This term, derived from Greek, also means 'darkness line,' hinting at its connection to solar and lunar eclipses.

The ecliptic is noted to be tilted at 23.5 degrees relative to the celestial equator. The sun intersects the equator at the eastern and western horizons during the equinoxes (around March 21 and September 23). On June 21, the sun reaches its furthest point north of the celestial equator, and on December 22, it reaches its furthest point south.

Figure 18 provides a more comprehensive view of the sun's annual journey through the constellations of the zodiac. The accompanying text acknowledges that some constellations might be slightly misplaced in the diagram due to limitations in the paper's size and printing.

Figure 19 further clarifies the relationship between the ecliptic and the celestial equator, reiterating the 23.5-degree tilt. It visually represents the zodiac signs in relation to Earth and the celestial poles.

Health and Medicine: Smoking Statistics and Wound Healing

In a section titled "UPP I ROK" (Up in Smoke), the issue presents statistics on global cigarette consumption. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the world consumed over 40 billion kronor worth of cigarettes in 1978. This represented a 3.5 percent increase, the largest in five years. In total, nearly five million tons of tobacco were consumed, with 4.2 trillion cigarettes smoked globally in 1978, equating to approximately 1,000 cigarettes per person.

Another health-related segment, "SLICKA DINA SÅR" (Lick Your Wounds), discusses research from the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Scientists there suggest that mammals' natural behavior of licking their wounds can actually accelerate the healing process. Experiments with rats, published in the British scientific journal Nature, indicated that cuts and abrasions healed significantly faster when the rodents licked them compared to when they did not. The researchers hypothesized that something in the saliva promotes healing, which could potentially be isolated for medical use after surgery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates an interest in both the natural sciences, particularly astronomy, and practical applications of scientific research in health and medicine. The astronomical explanations are presented clearly, aiming to educate the reader about celestial mechanics and Earth's place in the solar system. The inclusion of health research highlights a broader scope of scientific inquiry, focusing on observable phenomena and their potential benefits to human well-being. The editorial stance appears to be one of disseminating scientific knowledge across various fields.