Svsvaren - 1979 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: SVAREN
Publisher: UFO-CENTER, KARLSKOGA FÖRENINGENS ORGAN
Issue Date: November 14, 1979
Issue Number: 3/79

This issue of SVAREN, the official organ of the UFO-Center Karlskoga, presents a diverse range of articles touching upon ufology, astronomy, and related phenomena. The magazine aims to inform its members about recent UFO cases, scientific findings, and theoretical discussions within the field.

Table of Contents Highlights

The issue features a comprehensive table of contents, including articles on:

• Ledare (Editorial): Discusses recent UFO cases in the Karlskoga area, noting their interest but cautioning against immediate extraterrestrial conclusions.
• Umbra Penumbra: An astronomical article detailing sunspots, their characteristics (umbra and penumbra), the sun's differential rotation, and the 11-year sunspot cycle.
• Tror Du På Hypnos? (Do You Believe in Hypnosis?): Explores the use of hypnosis in UFO investigations, particularly in cases of alleged alien abduction, and discusses the reliability and potential pitfalls of hypnotic regression.
• UFO Över Filippinerna! (UFO Over the Philippines!): Reports on UFO sightings in the Philippines.
• Mystiska Ljusbollar (Mysterious Light Balls): Likely covers sightings of unexplained aerial phenomena.
• Hemliga Spanska UFO-Rapporter (Secret Spanish UFO Reports): Features classified UFO reports from Spain.
• Dogonerna (The Dogon People): Discusses the ancient myths of the Dogon people of West Africa concerning extraterrestrial visitors from the Sirius system.
• Himlafenomen Över Karlskoga (Celestial Phenomena Over Karlskoga): Reports on local sightings of celestial events.
• Klippt & Skuret (Cut & Paste): A section likely containing news clippings or short reports.

Cover Image and Explanation

The cover image depicts a stylized fish-like creature, identified as a 'Nommo' in the explanation of the cover illustration. The Dogon people of West Africa, according to their myths dating back 6-8000 years, believe their ancestors were visited by beings from the Sirius system. These beings, called Nommos, were described as fish-like or amphibious and came to Earth to impart knowledge. The article suggests further reading in books like 'The Sirius Mystery'.

Editorial and Member Contributions

The editorial expresses hope that the 'new' magazine will be well-received. It acknowledges the receipt of member contributions for articles and ideas, indicating a collaborative approach to content creation. The editorial also announces an upcoming exhibition on Science Fiction organized by Jörgen Stenkvist and Björn Karlsson, scheduled for November 21, 1979, at the association's premises.

Activities and Fund Raising

The magazine details changes to the autumn season's closing event, including a screening of new NASA images from the Voyager probes and a film about SPACELAB. It also promotes the sale of cassette tapes titled 'Tracks from Superspace' and records, with proceeds contributing to the fund for an anticipated telescope and supporting the UFO-Center Karlskoga's youth activities.

Astronomy: Umbra Penumbra

This section delves into the nature of sunspots. It explains that 1979 was an intense sunspot year, with UFO-Center Karlskoga conducting observations. A strong warning is issued against looking directly at the sun through binoculars or telescopes, detailing the risk of immediate and permanent blindness. The article explains that sunspots, known since ancient Greek times, were rediscovered with the invention of the telescope. It details the 11-year sunspot cycle, noting that the maximum in 1957 was the strongest recorded since 1700. The cycle's average duration is 10.4 years, and a maximum was expected around late 1979 or early 1980. The article describes the umbra (dark central part) and penumbra (lighter surrounding area) of sunspots, explaining they are cooler than the surrounding photosphere. It highlights that sunspots are manifestations of powerful magnetic fields generated by the sun's differential rotation, acting like a giant dynamo. The article also touches upon solar wind, protuberances, and flares, and their potential effects.

Solar Wind and its Effects

The 'Solvind' (Solar Wind) section explains that massive discharges during solar maximums eject solar material and radiation into space, forming the solar wind. This wind exerts pressure and is envisioned as a potential medium for future spacecraft propulsion. The article notes that while direct observation of solar phenomena is limited without specialized instruments, total solar eclipses offer views of solar storms, eruptions, and the corona. Increased solar activity is linked to heightened auroral activity (Northern and Southern Lights) and can disrupt radio and TV transmissions, particularly affecting VHF broadcasts. The solar wind's charged particles can also influence Earth's magnetic field, affecting radio wave propagation and potentially causing issues for shortwave radio operators.

Catastrophes and Human Influence

This part discusses how intense magnetic storms from the sun can trigger technical malfunctions, such as relay switching, potentially leading to accidents like train derailments. It also warns that UV radiation is harsher during sunspot maxima, advising against excessive sun exposure, especially in southern latitudes. The article questions whether human beings are affected by solar activities beyond weather patterns, citing theories that cellular resistance to viruses might decrease during periods of high solar activity, potentially contributing to epidemics. However, it stresses that this remains unproven and not established science.

Hypnosis and UFOs

The article 'Hypnos' by Allan Hendry examines the phenomenon of 'close encounters of the third kind,' particularly alien abductions, citing the famous Betty and Barney Hill case as a prime example. It notes that many such cases, especially those occurring after 1970, required hypnosis to overcome memory loss. The article highlights the striking similarities in the experiences reported by abductees under hypnosis. It discusses the use of hypnosis by law enforcement, such as in the Chowchilla kidnapping case, to retrieve crucial details. However, it also raises critical questions about the reliability of hypnosis, quoting William McCall M.D., who suggests that hypnotized individuals may say or do anything to please the hypnotist, potentially blurring the lines between fact and fantasy. Dr. Leo Sprinkle is also cited, acknowledging the possibility of fabricated details replacing facts. The article recounts an experiment where participants, after being given a scenario, produced abduction narratives remarkably similar to genuine UFO case reports, leading critics to question the methodology compared to real cases where no scenario is provided.

UFO Investigations and Skepticism

Another section, 'För Lite Kött På Benen' (A Little Meat on the Bones), addresses a previous article about a supposed alien infant skeleton. Claudio Gallo, an editor from the Italian magazine, responds critically, suggesting that the investigation and its confirmation by journalist Rubiales lean towards 'exoterism' rather than genuine ufology. Gallo emphasizes the need for more rigorous questioning and controlled data, deeming hypotheses based solely on unverified data as absurd. He acknowledges the possibility of extraterrestrial life but stresses the importance of factual evidence proving the reality of UFO phenomena. The article concludes by stating they await scientific results on the skeleton and will discuss the case further if the conclusions are more acceptable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SVAREN reflects a keen interest in UFO phenomena, astronomical events, and the intersection of science and the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging member participation and reporting on a variety of cases and theories. While presenting intriguing accounts, there is also an underlying emphasis on critical evaluation, particularly regarding the use of hypnosis and the need for verifiable evidence, as seen in the response to the alien skeleton article. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to educating its readers on related scientific topics like solar activity, linking them to potential influences on Earth and UFO phenomena. The recurring theme is the exploration of mysteries, both terrestrial and cosmic, with a blend of reporting, scientific discussion, and critical analysis.

This issue of Dagens Nyheter, dated Monday, October 1, 1979, features a cover story titled "Besök från stjärna myt som avlivats" (Visit from a Star: Myth Debunked), which delves into the controversial topic of extraterrestrial contact and its potential explanations.

Debunking the Dogon Myth

The main article, written by an unnamed author, focuses on the Dogon people of Mali and their purported advanced astronomical knowledge, particularly concerning the star Sirius. Professor Carl Sagan, a renowned American astronomer and author, is presented as having "debunked" the myth that the Dogon people possess knowledge beyond their earthly means. Sagan's argument, detailed in his book "Broca's Brain," suggests that the Dogon's detailed understanding of Sirius, including its binary nature (Sirius A and Sirius B) and the orbital period of Sirius B, is not evidence of alien contact. Instead, Sagan posits that this knowledge was acquired through contact with Westerners, likely French anthropologists like Marcel Griaule who studied the Dogon in the 1930s and 40s. The article highlights the Dogon's belief that their land was visited by beings from another world and their detailed myths, which align surprisingly well with modern scientific understanding. Sagan points out that if the Dogon had received information from extraterrestrial visitors, they would likely also know about Uranus's rings, not just Saturn's, which he argues they do not. He concludes that their knowledge is likely derived from terrestrial sources and integrated into their ancient traditions, dating back approximately 8000 years.

The article also references Robert K G Temple's book "The Sirius Mystery," which explored the Dogon's claims, and a previous article in Dagens Nyheter by Peter Nilson. It touches upon the peculiar nature of the Dogon's myths, which are said to be guided by the number 50 and its multiples in their festivals and rituals.

UFOs and Hypnosis: A Question of Reliability

Another section of the magazine explores the use of hypnosis in UFO investigations. It presents a case study of a 43-year-old woman on Long Island, New York, who, under hypnosis, recounted an experience of a close encounter with a saucer-shaped UFO. The object, described as having white lights and a red dome, allegedly hovered over her house, emitted a paralyzing red beam, and communicated telepathically. However, the article raises doubts about the veracity of such accounts. It suggests that deep trance can make individuals highly susceptible to the hypnotist's non-verbal cues, potentially leading to "nightmare-like" experiences. The author questions the ethical implications of using hypnosis in such investigations, even proposing the idea of staging fake UFO events to test how subjects under hypnosis would report them.

In this specific case, the woman's account under hypnosis was later compared to a real event: a charter flight advertisement for "CHARTER FLIGHTS TO ATLANTIC CITY" by the Brooklyn School of Aviation, whose plane had flown over her area at the time of her alleged encounter. The hypnotist found that the woman's story remained consistent, but she could not recall details about the aliens' planet or origin. Her susceptibility to hypnosis was rated low (a two on a scale of zero to five), and the hypnotist noted that only 5-10% of people can fully relive experiences under hypnosis. The woman also reported experiencing nausea after the encounter, which recurred after hypnosis. A psychological test, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, indicated that her symptoms might stem from a "childish need for attention" and heightened sensitivity to bodily functions, rather than a genuine extraterrestrial encounter.

Official UFO Dossier from Spain

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an official UFO dossier released by the Spanish government. On October 20, 1976, the Spanish Air Force General, Don Felipe Galarza, presented a documentation of 12 registered UFO cases within Spanish territory. This information, previously classified and stored in the Ministry of Air archives, was handed over to journalist Juan José Benitez. The dossier, comprising 78 pages of sketches, maps, and photographs, was reportedly gathered from "specialists" including military pilots and ground personnel.

The article highlights several of these cases:

• Case 1: A UFO landing in Poligono di Las Bardenas Reales, Navarra, on January 2, 1975, followed by a reappearance on January 5, 1975.
• Case 2: On November 24, 1974, IBERIA pilots en route to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria nearly collided with a UFO tracked by radar personnel.
• Case 3: A detailed account of a conversation between two pilots of a T-33 military training aircraft and two F-86 fighter jets that were scrambled to intercept a UFO on June 3, 1967, in the Madrid zone. The UFO was described as disc-shaped, metallic, and intelligently controlled.
• Case 4: On January 14, 1975, a UFO responded to IFF (identification friend or foe) codes on radar at the Rea Air Force School, simulating identification with Western codes.
• Case 6: The story of salesman Don Adrian Sànchez, who in March 1974, witnessed a large, spindle-shaped craft near Aznalcòllar (Seville) from which a disc-shaped craft emerged and pursued him.
• Case 7: On September 26, 1973, two pilots in a Mirage III-DE observed a strong light to the left at 20,000 feet near Valencia.
• Case 8: On January 1, 1975, soldiers at Villafria Air Base (Burgos) observed a luminous object described as a flattened, conical craft with a strong white-yellow glow.

General Galarza reportedly made Juan José Benitez promise not to reveal the names of witnesses or the direct sources of information without official permission. The article notes that while some cases were omitted due to lack of interest or being fragments of satellite observations, others were deemed significant.

Mysterious Light Balls in Sweden and Finland

Another section reports on mysterious light balls observed in Sweden and Finland. One incident involves a Finnish schoolboy, Eero Lammi, who claimed to have been struck by a light beam from a light ball near the Swedish-Finnish border. He sustained light burns on his chest and back. Colonel Bertil Eriksson from the Swedish Military Headquarters stated that they could not find any other witnesses to this unusual event. A second report comes from a student birdwatching in Tiveden, Sweden, who described a similar object, about five meters in diameter, resembling a light ball. Sture Wickerts, a UFO expert from the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOA), confirmed the student's detailed description of a round object with pulsating light and a loud, droning sound. Despite thorough investigations, no explanation was found for these incidents, though Wickerts expressed belief in the student's account.

Cartoon

The issue includes a cartoon with the caption "SE UPP! DENNE JORDBO ÄR BEVÄPNAD" (Watch out! This earthling is armed), depicting figures in spacesuits and a flying saucer, with humorous dialogue about one figure looking like a baron or marquis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. While presenting detailed accounts of alleged sightings and investigations, it also emphasizes scientific scrutiny and the debunking of myths. The article on the Dogon people, for instance, leans heavily on Carl Sagan's rational explanation, suggesting that even seemingly extraordinary knowledge can often be traced to terrestrial origins and cultural integration. The hypnosis case study further underscores a skepticism towards subjective experiences, highlighting the potential for psychological factors and suggestibility to influence recollections. The inclusion of official government reports, such as the Spanish dossier, indicates an interest in documented evidence, but the subsequent analysis and commentary often lean towards finding conventional explanations or questioning the reliability of the evidence. The overall tone suggests a desire to separate genuine unexplained phenomena from folklore, misinterpretations, and psychological effects, while still acknowledging the enduring fascination with the unknown.

This issue of 'Klippt och Skuret' (Cut and Scored), dated '791106', is a compilation of clipped articles and reports, primarily focusing on UFO phenomena, ancient mysteries, and scientific debates. The content is presented in Swedish and appears to be a collection of news clippings and possibly original short reports.

Content Analysis

Page 21: Dogon and Sirius C, Carl Sagan's Argumentation
The first article discusses the Dogon people's knowledge of the Sirius system, specifically mentioning Sirius C, a star not yet recognized by modern science. The author expresses interest in this mystery and hopes for future exploration. The article then addresses Carl Sagan's arguments regarding Uranus's rings, suggesting alternative explanations for the Dogon people's lack of knowledge about them. These include the possibility of forgotten information due to oral tradition over 8000 years, or that Uranus's rings formed at a later date. The author questions Sagan's belief in a static solar system and unchanging universe, suggesting his arguments are intended to provoke debate rather than reflect genuine belief. The author also notes that Temple has researched ancient myths for a decade, and finds it unlikely that Sagan's arguments, based on loose reasoning, could overturn such work. A point of contention is Sagan's apparent contradiction in researching extraterrestrial life while being negative about potential ancient extraterrestrial visits.

Page 22: Carl Sagan's Statements and UFO Reports
This page features a caricature of Carl Sagan with the caption "EFTER ALLA MOTSÄGANDE UTTALANDEN SOM HÖRTS FRÅN MR. CARL SAGAN, TANKER VI OSS PÅ REDAKTIONEN ETT FÖREDRAG AV DENSAMME SA HAR:" (After all the contradictory statements heard from Mr. Carl Sagan, we in the editorial office think of a lecture by the same person as follows:). The text following the caricature presents a series of conditional statements that seem to satirize Sagan's cautious and often contradictory stance on the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life and visits. It highlights the vast distances, the potential for advanced technology, and the sheer number of civilizations, while still maintaining a degree of skepticism about Earth visits. Below this, a news clipping from a newspaper states that Russian researchers have succeeded in creating flying saucers in their laboratories, with the magazine's commentary "VI GRATULERAR, MEN FAN TRO'T..." (We congratulate, but we don't believe it...). Another clipping shows a drawing of a UFO and people looking at it, with the caption "TITTA, DE HAR LYCKATS FÅ FRAM PROVRÖRSEXEMPLAR!" (Look, they have succeeded in producing test tube specimens!).

Page 23: Himla-Fenomen över Karlskoga (Celestial Phenomena over Karlskoga)
This section presents three reports of aerial observations from Karlskoga on the same day, October 1, 1979, around 6 AM. The first report is an interview with Kent and Birgitta Haglund. They describe a small, lens-shaped object with a strong, yellow-white light, hovering about 300-400 meters above a house. It appeared to be self-luminous and had indistinct edges, not resembling a cloud. The object then moved in a narrow streak, disappearing. Later, it reappeared and moved slowly towards the east, disappearing from view after about a quarter of an hour. A veil-like formation was observed in the sky where the object had been. The second report, from Olle Eriksson, describes a large, woolly contrail with a reddish hue, moving parallel to the horizon and sinking. It was observed for about 15 minutes and eventually became oval-shaped and luminous.

Page 24: Continued Reports from Karlskoga
This page continues the reports from Karlskoga. Report nr 2 details Olle Eriksson's observation of a large, woolly contrail with a reddish color, moving parallel to the horizon and sinking. He noted it was much larger and higher than a typical jet plane's contrail, and the plane itself was not visible. The contrail moved in the same direction as it tilted, sinking towards the horizon and shrinking in length. It eventually became vertical before disappearing near Kroksvik, having shrunk to an oval shape and tilting at a 45-degree angle. Report nr 3 comes from Elvi and Elon Ström, who observed a blinking object moving upwards, leaving a peculiar, woolly contrail that was different from those left by airplanes. The observation was brief, lasting only a few seconds.

Page 25: Clipped Articles - UFO-Häst, Viggen Jet Encounter, Books, Satellites
This page contains several clipped articles:

• UFO-Häst (UFO Horse): An article from 'Saxon' (nr 31, 1979) discusses a 120-meter horse figure carved into Bratton Down, Whiltshire, UK. The article questions how such a carving could be made in ancient times and presents a local theory that the horse is a landing strip for UFOs, citing frequent UFO sightings in the Warminster area.
• Telegram Message: A telegram reports an incident on September 18th where three people witnessed a Viggen jet being chased by a bright, spherical object that maneuvered at 90-degree angles, outclassing the jet. No Swedish Air Force units reported flying in the area at that time.
• Eugene Semitjov's New Book: A clipping announces the upcoming book 'Mellan Drum och Verklighet' (Between Drum and Reality) by journalist and author Eugene Semitjov, which will explore psi phenomena and delve into the 'inner space' of human consciousness.
• Fågelmänniska i USA (Birdman in USA): An article from 'Saxon' (nr 31, 1979) describes the 'Mothman' phenomenon in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, USA. The creature, described as a human-bird with large red eyes, terrorized residents between 1966-1968 and reappeared in 1978. Journalist John A. Keel investigated this phenomenon, documenting it in his book 'The Mothman Prophecies'.
• Satellit på väg att störta mot jorden (Satellite on its way to crash to Earth): A report from Washington (AP) states that the American satellite Pegasus 2, weighing 10.4 tons, was expected to fall from orbit and crash into Earth's atmosphere, with a significant portion potentially reaching the ground.
• Annu en måne (Yet another moon): A brief report states that researchers in the USA, examining photos from the Voyager-2 probe, have discovered a fourteenth moon orbiting Jupiter, with a diameter between 28 and 40 km.
• USA: Satelliten Pegasus åter efter tio år (USA: Satellite Pegasus returns after ten years): A report from Washington (TT-Reuter) confirms that Pegasus II fell into the Atlantic Ocean, scattering debris over a large area. The satellite was launched in 1965 and had functioned for ten years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, ancient mysteries, and the questioning of established scientific narratives, particularly concerning extraterrestrial life and visits. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official explanations and a willingness to explore alternative theories, as evidenced by the critical commentary on Carl Sagan's views and the presentation of eyewitness accounts of UFOs. There is a clear interest in phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, such as the Dogon's astronomical knowledge and the 'Mothman' reports. The inclusion of various clipped articles suggests an effort to gather diverse perspectives on these topics, often with a critical or questioning undertone from the magazine's editors.