Svsvaren - 1976 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: SVÄVAREN
Issue: 1/76
Publisher: UFO-CENTER, KARLSKOGA
Date: January 1976

This issue of SVÄVAREN, the new publication from UFO-CENTER, Karlskoga, serves as an informational bulletin for its members. The editorial team hopes to release 4-6 issues per year, with additional smaller updates for urgent news. The bulletin aims to inform members about the activities of UFO-CENTER, Karlskoga, including planned events such as astronomy observation nights. It also intends to cover upcoming astronomical phenomena like comets, meteor showers, and planetary conjunctions.

Content Highlights

Editorial Introduction and Purpose

The editors introduce SVÄVAREN as a new venture to keep members informed. They acknowledge that calling it a 'tidning' (magazine) might be too ambitious, but it will serve as an information sheet. The publication will feature a 'short news' section detailing recent UFO observations and where to find more information. For local sightings, the center plans to conduct on-site investigations, including interviews and site surveys. They also plan to review new books and welcome contributions from members.

The editors emphasize that SVÄVAREN is not intended to compete with 'UFO-Information,' the national UFO magazine, which they strongly recommend and urge members to subscribe to, noting its financial difficulties despite being run by volunteers.

Educational Courses

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to educational courses offered in collaboration with TBV (Tjänstemännens Bildningsverksamhet). Two courses are highlighted:

1. Beginner's Course: "Flying Saucers, what does science say?"
This course promises 10 interesting study and discussion evenings. It will explore whether science has anything to say about 'flying saucers' beyond dismissing them as hoaxes or illusions. The course will delve into serious UFO research worldwide, debating hypotheses such as extraterrestrial visitation versus unknown natural phenomena. It will also include free discussions and personal theories, covering recent UFO events, both local and international. Half the time will be spent on textbook material and discussions, while the other half will focus on personal experiences, theories, and other UFO literature.

2. Advanced Course: "Ancient Science in a New Light."
This course aims to reveal historical facts of great value to humanity and stimulate independent thinking about the causes behind advanced scientific and technical achievements in early high cultures. It will cover topics such as penicillin before Fleming, flight before the Wright brothers, Jupiter's moons before Galileo, moon travel before the Apollo missions, atomic theory before Rutherford, electric batteries before Volta, and computers before Wiener. The course is structured similarly to the beginner's course, with half the time dedicated to study material and discussion, and the other half to personal insights and other literature. It is noted that this course can be taken independently of the beginner's course.

Registration for these courses is encouraged, with deadlines set for early October to complete the 10 lessons before Christmas. Contact information for Marianne Stradiotto at TBV or Owe E. Lewitzki at UFO-CENTER, Karlskoga, is provided for registration.

UFO Reports and Astronomical News

Canary Islands UFO Sighting: The issue reports that on June 25th, at least 70 tourists witnessed a UFO landing on the Canary Islands, near the village of Galdar on Grand Canaria. This was published in the magazine NU nr 26/76.

Other UFO Articles: A mention is made of an article in Saxons nr 38/76 about UFOs, described as comprehensive but more suited for newcomers than 'experts'.

• Astronomical Events:
• Meteor Showers: The DRACONIDERNA meteor shower is expected on October 10th, followed by ORIONIDERNA (October 16-25) and TAURIDERNA (October 20 - November 25).
• Comet PONS-WINNECKE: This comet will pass perihelion in November 1976 and return in 1982. It is likely too faint to be observed without a telescope.
• Lunar Eclipse: A partial lunar eclipse is scheduled for the night of November 6-7.
• Solar Eclipse: A total solar eclipse will occur on October 23rd, visible in Central and East Africa, South Asia, Australia, and Antarctica, but not in Sweden due to cloudy weather on May 13th (the date of a previous partial solar eclipse).

Jupiter

The issue features a detailed section on the planet Jupiter:

• Observation: The author describes observing Jupiter on October 13th, noting its position near the Pleiades star cluster. Jupiter is described as the largest planet in the solar system, with a diameter of 142,700 km, shining brighter than any planet except Venus. Its distance from Earth is at least 595 million km.
• Moons: Jupiter has 13 moons, with the four largest (Io, Europa, Ganymedes, Callisto) visible with a handheld telescope. The movement of these moons can be observed over several nights.
• Energy Emission: Recent findings indicate that Jupiter emits more energy than it receives from the sun, suggesting internal chemical processes. Its surface temperature is approximately -130°C.
• The Great Red Spot: The article discusses the Great Red Spot, a prominent feature observed since the 17th century. Theories suggest it might be a solid body or a Taylor column formed by atmospheric vortices. Its color has varied over time, from brick red to pale orange. Jupiter's belts and zones, visible even in small telescopes, are also mentioned, along with its rapid rotation (less than 10 hours per day) causing a significant flattening at the poles.
• Jupiter's Data: A table provides key data about Jupiter, including its distance from the sun, orbital period, size relative to Earth, mass, density, composition (mostly hydrogen and helium), axial tilt, rotation period, maximum magnitude, and number of moons.

Other UFO-Related News

Unique Metal Fragment: A metal fragment with an unknown composition, not matching any known terrestrial element, is being investigated in Sweden. Russian and American experts have confirmed it's not of their making. The fragment was found in connection with a UFO sighting in the Gävle region. The Gävle UFO Association is involved in the investigation.

Local UFO Observations: UFO-CENTER, Karlskoga, has received several reports, most of which are explainable, likely due to satellites. However, two incidents are considered potentially genuine UFO sightings, and the editorial team plans to investigate further.

Solar Activity: The Sun currently has a large sunspot group, which can be observed by projecting the sun's image onto paper using binoculars (with caution to avoid eye damage).

TV Program: A mention is made of a TV program about UFOs produced by the youth editorial team in Karlstad, shown on September 14, 1976, featuring interviews with UFO observers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly promotes education and active participation in the UFO and astronomy communities. It emphasizes the importance of supporting national UFO organizations and encourages members to contribute their knowledge and experiences. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging critical thinking and investigation into UFO phenomena while also providing factual information on astronomy. There's a clear desire to foster a local community in Karlskoga dedicated to these interests.

This document contains the minutes from the constituent meeting of "UFO-Center, Karlskoga" held on Monday, April 26, 1976. The meeting was attended by Mats Carlsson, Bertil Eriksson, Lennart Johansson, Kjellar Kjellarsson, Torbjörn Lindblom, Per Löfström, Carl-F. Micu, Ivan Olsson, Rolf Segelson, Anna-Lisa Tyllander, and Owe Lewitzki.

Meeting Proceedings

§ 1. Welcome and Organization

The study circle leader, Owe Lewitzki, welcomed the attendees. Owe Lewitzki was appointed discussion leader, C.F. Micu as secretary, and Lennart Johansson and Torbjörn Lindblom were chosen to adjust the minutes.

§ 2. Formation of a UFO Association

Owe Lewitzki presented a proposal to start a UFO association in Karlskoga. The attendees agreed, and the proposal was adopted.

§ 3. Interim Board

Due to the relatively small number of attendees, it was decided to form an interim board to prepare for a formal association by the autumn. The interim board was composed of Owe Lewitzki (Chairperson), Carl-F. Micu (Secretary), and Per Löfström (Treasurer).

§ 4. Agenda

The Chairperson presented an agenda for the continuation of the discussions, which was approved.

§ 5. Premises and Activities

The Chairperson outlined the immediate future activities, announcing that TBV had agreed to let the organization use their premises on Bergsmansgatan during the summer, provided the space was kept tidy. This was received positively by the meeting.

§ 6. Name of the Association

A proposal for the association's name, "UFO-Center, Karlskoga," was presented by the Chairperson and adopted by acclamation.

§ 7. Postponed Matters

Questions regarding detailed activity plans and securing premises were postponed until the autumn. The Chairperson would investigate the possibility of obtaining municipal grants.

§ 8. Emblem Design

A discussion was held regarding an emblem for the association. The Chairperson presented two sketches, and Proposal II was adopted.

§ 9. Tax Registration

It was decided that C.F. Micu would handle the tax registration with the authorities.

§ 10. Membership

• The issue of membership was discussed, leading to the following proposals:
• Individual membership
• Family membership
• Honorary members: Individuals who have significantly contributed to the association's activities, admitted free of charge.
• Passive members: Half-price membership.
• Youth activities: Consultation with Köpings UFO Förening, which has experience in this area, was decided.
• Age limit for membership: This question was postponed until the autumn.

No definitive decision was made on the age limit, which would be finalized later.

§ 11. Membership Fee

It was decided to postpone the decision on the membership fee amount until the autumn.

§ 13. Meeting Frequency and Summer Break

It was decided to meet once a month, with the possibility of extra meetings if needed. A summer break was scheduled until the latter half of August.

§ 13. Club Magazine

Attendees felt the association should issue a "club magazine" or information sheet. The Chairperson would organize the compilation with help from other members. An investigation into the most cost-effective duplication method would be undertaken. The publication should appear at least four times a year. Several name suggestions were discussed, including "UFO-INFO," "Svävaren," "I det blå," and "Universalnytt." "Svävaren" was provisionally considered the best option.

§ 14. Equipment

The question of acquiring necessary materials for the association's activities was postponed until the autumn. Mats Carlsson raised the topic of a "UFO detector," and Torbjörn Lindblom mentioned that components could be acquired, but this matter should wait until the general issue of material procurement is addressed.

§ 15. Association Telephone

It was decided that the Chairperson's home telephone would serve as the association's telephone for the time being, as he handles most external contacts with other UFO organizations.

§ 16. Local Advertising

The question of advertising the association's activities in the local press would be investigated for the first autumn meeting.

§ 17. Association Library

The idea of establishing an association library was discussed. It was suggested that donations of books from members or interested individuals could form the initial collection. No decision was made on this matter.

§ 18. Film Screening Proposal

Under 'Any Other Business,' the Chairperson proposed approaching local cinemas "Caga" or "Folkets Hus" to screen the film "2001" as an introduction for interested individuals to join the association. A presentation by a member during the screening was suggested to stimulate interest. This proposal was well-received. Mats Carlsson was tasked with compiling a review of "Månbas Alfa" (likely referring to 'Moonbase Alpha', a related theme).

§ 19. Closing Remarks

The Chairperson thanked the attendees and expressed hope for a lively and stimulating future for the exploration of UFO phenomena and related human issues. The meeting was adjourned, with a wish for a pleasant summer and anticipation of reconvening in the autumn. Coffee and refreshments were served, arranged by the Chairperson's wife, after which some members continued discussions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document reflects an active effort to establish a formal UFO research and discussion group in Karlskoga. Key themes include organizational structure, membership development, public outreach, and the practicalities of running an association. The stance is proactive and community-oriented, aiming to engage the public and foster a collaborative environment for UFO research. The postponement of several key decisions to the autumn suggests a phased approach to development, focusing on immediate organizational needs first.