Svsvaren - 1980 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: SVAREN
Issue: 1/80
Date: January 25, 1980
Publisher: UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA
Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial Content

Ledare (Editorial)

The editorial welcomes readers to 1980, expressing hope that they have received the "VÅRPROGRAMMET-1980" (Spring Program 1980). It highlights an increase in activities compared to the previous autumn and encourages members to attend. Members are urged to mark the annual meeting (ÅRSMÖTET) on February 6, 1980, at 7:00 PM in the BIBLIOTEKETS HÖRSAL, promising an interesting program and encouraging attendees to bring friends. The editorial also mentions the UFO exhibition at the library, running from January 28 to February 9, 1980. The editor notes the lengthy articles in SVAREN, aiming to provide more in-depth information than typical newspaper reports. Readers are encouraged to provide feedback on the content and share their own experiences. The editorial emphasizes the significant effort involved in producing the magazine, from data collection and translation to printing and distribution, and stresses the importance of reader input to ensure the magazine meets their expectations. Future issues will feature a series on well-known UFO cases, such as 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. Additionally, the magazine will include an SF (Science Fiction) section curated by Björn Karlsson and Jörgen Stenkvist.

Astronomy Observations

The magazine notes that the planet Venus is currently very visible, appearing about 15-20 degrees above the horizon in the southwest around 5:00 PM and visible earlier in the day. Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn are also observable, weather permitting.

Rocket Section Initiative

A new initiative is announced: the formation of a RAKET-SEKTION (Rocket Section) within UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA. This is driven by member interest in building and launching rockets. Collaboration with KRK (Karlskoga Radio-Klubb) is proposed, with plans to equip rockets with small radio transmitters for tracking. Jörgen Stenkvist, Björn Karlsson, and Tony Lewitzki are identified as key individuals driving this project.

Membership Fees for 1980

An important announcement concerns the membership fees for 1980. Failure to pay will result in automatic termination of membership. Members are encouraged to pay at the annual meeting to receive a membership card. The fees remain unchanged: 25 SEK for students and pensioners, 35 SEK for adults, and 50 SEK for family memberships.

USA GÖMMER UFONAUTER? (Does the USA Hide Ufonauts?)

This article explores rumors and claims that the American military has captured ufonaunts and their spacecraft. It references a 1975 story in "The National Tattler" about a UFO crash in 1948, with witnesses attesting to its truth. Robert Carr, chairman of NICAP, is cited as stating that alien bodies are still at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. The article also mentions researcher William Spaulding, who claims to possess sworn testimonies from two American colonels about crashed UFOs and their occupants being in the possession of US authorities. Spaulding and his colleagues at CAUS (Citizens Against UFO Secrecy) have reportedly obtained over 1000 pages of documents from the CIA regarding UFO observations. Their goal is to use the Freedom of Information Act to uncover more information about alleged UFO incidents. The article notes that at a MUFON congress in Dayton in 1978, Leonard H. Stringfield presented evidence supporting these claims. The article includes an excerpt from "Notiziario UFO" (October 1979) by Gray Barker, discussing Stringfield's presentation and the shift in ufological thought towards accepting alternative theories over the 'extraterrestrial hypothesis'.

#### Summary of Witness Testimonies (Stringfield's findings)

• 1952 Incident (Edwards AFB, California): An informant's brother, a radar operator at USAF's Edwards AFB, reported a crashed UFO. Three ufonaunts, about 1.20 meters tall, were found dead and transported to Wright Patterson. The informant heard this through a conversation between three officials.
• 1952 Incident (Wright Patterson): A neighbor of a MUFON researcher, who was a civil guard at Wright Patterson, reported seeing a large tow truck transporting a disc-shaped object covered by tarpaulin. Transparent boxes inside contained the bodies of small humanoid beings with large heads. The witness was on guard at the base entrance.
• 1953 Incident (Fort Monmouth, New Jersey): Another radar operator assisted in a secret film screening showing a crashed disc-shaped object surrounded by military personnel. The film also showed the bodies of three small humanoids with large heads. Attendees were urged to keep silent.
• 1953 Incident (Arizona): An engineer from the "Atomic Energy Commission" was taken to a site where a UFO had crashed in Arizona. He saw a humanoid creature, about 1.20 meters tall, while looking into a tent. He signed a sworn statement to researcher Ray Fowler.
• Major Daly's Account: A major in the USAF, an expert in metals, reportedly investigated a crashed UFO under similar circumstances, describing the object's exterior as identical to other accounts.
• National Guard Official's Account: A National Guard official saw a DC-7 aircraft arrive at Wright Patterson carrying boxes, each containing a humanoid body about 1.20 meters tall with a large head. A pilot mentioned that one of the humanoids was female and that the UFO was found using equipment from Mount Palomar.
• 1953 Incident (Conrad, Montana): A cigar-shaped object experienced difficulties, emitting smoke and flames before crashing. A witness was interrogated by an Air Force colonel and specialists and forbidden to discuss the event. He later saw soldiers carrying sacks containing human-shaped contents away from the base.
• Wright Patterson Employee Account: A woman working in UFO information collection at Wright Patterson witnessed the transport of two small bodies with large heads in 1955. She revealed this in 1959 due to suffering from cancer.
• 1966 Incident (Wright Patterson): A civilian contracted by the USAF for the "NIKE" rocket construction saw nine small humanoid bodies at Wright Patterson. He was told that 35 similar bodies and a UFO wreckage were stored there, with other bases also storing bodies and wrecks. At least five other UFO crash cases in the US were known, with one involving the recovery of three bodies after a confrontation with a soldier.
• 1964 Incident: A military reservist reported being stationed at a UFO landing site on December 10, 1964, to prevent curious individuals from approaching. The object had no visible damage.
• 1962 Incident (New Mexico): According to researcher Robert Barry, a UFO landed in New Mexico, flying like an airplane. Inside were two small humanoids with large heads, wearing simple clothing.
• 1957 Incident (Southwestern USA): A sergeant at Wright Patterson learned from a general about a crashed UFO in 1957. The object was found via radar, and inside were four humanoids, 1.5 meters tall with large heads, described as nearly carbonized. This was confirmed by a retired colonel's sworn statement collected by William Spaulding.
• Nellis Air Force Base Incident (Nevada): The same general showed the sergeant a top-secret document about an incident at Nellis AFB where an armed troop approached a landed UFO. A small, thick humanoid emerged and paralyzed the colonel with a light beam. Attempts to fire on it were ineffective. This account was corroborated by an informant within the intelligence service.

Interview with Leonard H. Stringfield

The article includes an interview with Leonard H. Stringfield, conducted by Barker. Stringfield addresses criticism from Jerome Clark of "UFO Report," who questioned Stringfield's decision to present unconfirmed testimonies and alleged that his sources were not revealed. Stringfield defends his approach, stating that he has personally spoken with his informants, who are credible and often still in service or the military. He emphasizes the need for anonymity to protect his sources, especially when dealing with military information. He asserts that the evidence of UFOs and alien bodies is real and that these are not mere rumors but facts, despite the difficulty in proving them due to the high level of secrecy.

Stringfield explains that his report, initially presented at a MUFON congress, was later revised and expanded. He believes that some technological advancements, particularly in space programs, may be indirectly influenced by the study of recovered UFO technology, even if direct replication has been challenging.

Regarding the physical characteristics of the beings, Stringfield reiterates the descriptions of humanoids with large heads, specific facial features (or lack thereof), and unique physical attributes. He clarifies that they do not have reproductive organs and appear to be products of a similar manufacturing process, distinguishing them from biological cloning. He also acknowledges that some information remains limited, particularly concerning their potential as robots.

Stringfield confirms that the recovered UFOs and bodies are being held by the US government, citing his sources' high level of security clearance. He mentions that the information he has gathered varies in age, with cases dating from 1948 up to the 1970s, contradicting the assumption that such incidents were confined to the late 1940s and early 1950s. He stresses the extreme secrecy surrounding these more recent cases.

Cover Image Description

The cover features a detailed black and white illustration of an alien figure with a large head, prominent eyes, and a complex suit, standing in a landscape with a UFO in the sky. The magazine title 'SVAREN' is prominently displayed at the top.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO crash retrievals, alleged alien autopsies, government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, and the historical development of ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into these claims, giving significant weight to the testimonies gathered by researchers like Leonard H. Stringfield. The magazine aims to present detailed, in-depth information to its readers, encouraging critical thinking while also conveying a sense of conviction about the reality of UFOs and extraterrestrial presence based on the presented evidence.

This issue of Svävaren magazine, dated October 1979, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, featuring interviews, investigative reports, and a DIY project. The magazine appears to be Swedish, with translations from Italian sources.

Interview with Leonard H. Stringfield

The issue prominently features an interview with Leonard H. Stringfield, a noted UFO researcher. Stringfield discusses his work, including his past roles with CRIFO, NICAP, and his current consultancy for MUFON. He addresses the nature of 'humanoids' encountered in UFO cases, noting that while they appear similar to humans in some aspects, they also differ significantly. He confirms having spoken with numerous sources who have seen these entities firsthand but has not personally seen any bodies. Stringfield acknowledges the existence of photographs of UFOs and alleged occupants, citing an instance where a drawing he showed a witness was remarkably similar to a photograph the witness had seen.

Stringfield also touches upon the skepticism within the UFO research community, particularly from younger researchers who may dismiss older cases in favor of more recent, dramatic ones like abductions. He maintains a conservative stance, still believing in the possibility of extraterrestrial origins for UFOs, though he concedes that some phenomena might appear paranormal or be the result of highly advanced technology that seems 'magical' to observers. He emphasizes that the discovery of bodies from crashed craft provides the strong physical evidence sought by researchers, though he cannot publicly display these bodies.

Stringfield expresses hope that his public presentation of these arguments might encourage more witnesses to come forward, especially since he assures confidentiality. He mentions that he has received threats and warnings, which he is investigating, and has reported them to the FBI, believing they are likely from fanatics rather than intelligence agencies. He states he is not afraid and continues his work. Regarding the work of author Scully, Stringfield believes it might have roots in fact, even if exaggerated, and suggests Scully may have had some underlying information.

Stringfield recounts how his book 'The UFO Siege' and subsequent publications have encouraged witnesses, including those from military backgrounds, to share information, leading him to compile more data for a presentation at an annual congress. He notes that the pocket edition of his latest book has generated a new wave of responses and sources.

Project: Magnetic Field Detector (UFO Detector)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a DIY project: building a magnetic field detector, also referred to as a UFO detector. The project is presented by UFO-Center Karlskoga, with construction details and schematics provided. The motivation stems from reports of electrical equipment malfunctioning and metal objects becoming warm during UFO sightings, suggesting strong magnetic fields might be involved.

The detector aims to distinguish UFO-generated magnetic field disturbances from those caused by terrestrial sources like cars, radio transmitters, and power lines. The design incorporates a compass with optical sensing and a coil to detect slow and fast field variations, respectively. It includes a 50Hz filter to eliminate electrical network interference and an amplifier with adjustable gain. An alarm is triggered when the detected field exceeds a certain threshold. The compass part is highly sensitive, capable of detecting about a 1-degree deviation of the needle.

The article provides detailed instructions for assembling and operating the detector, including a component list and circuit diagrams. It explains how the compass needle's position is monitored by an infrared light beam and a phototransistor, which activates the alarm if the needle moves. The detector is powered by two 1.5V batteries. The article also includes experiments to test the detector's sensitivity, such as bringing a metal object near it.

It is noted that the detector itself might cease to function if exposed to extremely strong magnetic fields from a nearby UFO, but the authors believe that such variations would likely increase gradually, allowing the detector time to signal an alert.

Are Panama-Skeleton's Mystery Solved?

This section addresses a previous article in 'Svävaren' about a skeleton found on a Panamanian beach, which was speculated to be of extraterrestrial origin. A follow-up report discusses a similar find in Nicaragua. However, zoologist Ignacio Astorqui from the University of Miami concludes that both skeletons are likely those of sharks. He points out that the smell should have been a clue and that a highly developed extraterrestrial creature would not have such a rigid and non-functional skeleton. Astorqui clarifies that these finds are not complete skeletons but rather cartilaginous parts, specifically skulls. He explains that shark cartilage decomposes, but in these cases, it had fossilized, leaving behind teeth and vertebrae, which are more resistant to decay.

The article concludes that such interpretations of findings as extraterrestrial are common among individuals who tend to see UFOs everywhere.

Giant Cylinder in the Mediterranean

This report details a sighting of a large, unidentified cylindrical object in the Ligurian Sea, near Gorgona Island, Italy. The object, described as being as tall as a 10-story building and at least 10 meters wide, emerged from the water, startling passengers on a yacht. Maritime authorities investigated but provided no clear explanation, referring to it as a 'drifting nautical mark (buoy)' despite its immense size.

The account is based on the testimony of Giuseppe Guzzi, a radiotelegraphist on the yacht 'Rainbow II'. He describes the object as appearing suddenly and then submerging with a loud noise. The yacht approached the object, observing its size and cylindrical shape. A maritime broadcast later confirmed the sighting, describing it as a 'drifting cylindrical nautical mark of black color'. The report suggests that the authorities' reluctance to provide details indicates they were aware of the object's presence and significance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon with a blend of investigative reporting, interviews with researchers, and practical projects. There's a clear interest in physical evidence, such as alleged crash debris and bodies, as highlighted in the Stringfield interview. The magazine also engages with skeptical viewpoints, as seen in the analysis of the 'Panama skeleton' case, suggesting a balanced approach to the subject matter. The DIY project for a magnetic field detector indicates an interest in practical applications and citizen science within the UFO community. The overall tone leans towards presenting unexplained phenomena seriously, while also grounding some claims in scientific analysis and debunking sensationalist interpretations.

Title: SF - INFORMATION
Issue Date: December 1979
Content Focus: Science Fiction and UFOs

This issue of 'SF - INFORMATION' is presented as a magazine within a magazine, created by Jörgen Stenkvist and Björn Karlsson to supplement the publication 'Svävaren' with content specifically focused on Science Fiction and UFO news. The editors express a desire for reader contributions and feedback.

Science Fiction News and Reviews

New Releases and Recommendations

The "TIPS" section highlights recent releases. The comic book "Vårdagsjämningens Hjältar" from the "Linda och Valentin" series is available for approximately 15 SEK. "Stjärnornas Krig" (Star Wars) issue #3 is also available for around 15 SEK. The film "Buck Rogers, rymdhjälten" (Buck Rogers, the space hero) is recommended for moviegoers. Upcoming pocket books include "Blade" (around 12 SEK) and "Olof Möller-serien" (around 6.75 SEK).

Book Reviews

"Stålgrottorna" (The Caves of Steel) by Isaac Asimov: This novel is described as a brilliant SF novel by a master of the genre. Set in the future on Earth, it depicts a world with overpopulation, semi-starvation, and constant crises. Robots perform a significant portion of the labor, leading to rising unemployment as they take over more societal functions. The plot involves a murder investigation where a human detective must collaborate with a robot assistant who may eventually take over his role.

"Stjärnpesten" (The Star Plague) by Denis Lindblom: This story presents a civilization's end not through nuclear war, but a creeping, deadly plague that eradicated even bacteria and viruses, leaving Earth's surface totally dead. Humanity's remnants survived in underground bunkers, waiting for the plague to disappear as inexplicably as it arrived. The narrative suggests a long, uncertain wait.

Film Review: "Moonraker"

The new James Bond film, "Moonraker," is reviewed, noting its blend of detective and SF elements, including beautiful women, duels, murders, sabotage, advanced weapons, and spaceships. The plot involves James Bond retrieving a stolen space shuttle belonging to Drax AB. The film features the character "Jaws," a tall man with steel teeth, in various action sequences across different locations, culminating in space. The film was shot worldwide and stars Richard Kiel as Jaws, Lois Chiles as the Bond girl, and Roger Moore as James Bond.

UFO and Space Phenomena Reports

"Alien" Movie Production Insights

A report from September 1978 details a visit to the filming of "Alien" at Bray Studios and Shepperton Studios in London. The spaceship Nostromo is described as a giant oil tanker in space, with its model weighing approximately 400 kg. The model was meticulously crafted from wood, steel, and plastic, with small details sourced from model kits. Kloroform was used to join plastic parts, leaving no visible marks. The article explains how the illusion of the spaceship moving through space was achieved by keeping the model stationary and moving the camera. Special effects supervisor Nick Alder explains that 20 minutes of filming were used to create 90 seconds of screen time. The starfield background was created using a black plastic sheet with painted white dots, or alternatively, black velvet. Planets were depicted using colored liquids in a tray, with the resulting patterns photographed and enlarged. Fiber optics were used for small lights on the ship, as real lights would have been impractical.

"How to Build a Spaceship" (GT 1979-11-02)

This section discusses the construction of the spaceship model for "Alien," detailing the materials and techniques used, such as wood, steel, plastic, and kloroform. It also explains the visual effects used to simulate space travel, including camera movement and the creation of planetary backdrops.

UFO Sighting in Italy (The Daily Telegraph 800110)

The Italian Defence Ministry declassified a report from February 1977 where an Air Force pilot claimed his F104 jet was followed for 23 minutes by an unidentified flying object. The object glowed brighter than the moon and stars and maintained a distance of 800-900 yards. The pilot was authorized to intercept it, and the object maintained its distance before disappearing when the pilot began to climb.

UFO Sighting in Ljustadalen, Sweden (Sundsvalls Tidning 79-12-28)

Two 13-year-old girls, Anna Sandström and Eva Gradin, reported seeing a bright, stationary light in the sky above Ljustadalen on the night of December 22, 1979. The light shifted colors and was larger than a star. While the girls believe it was a UFO, the duty meteorologist at Midlanda suggested it might have been a weather balloon, noting that weak winds and cold temperatures were present that night, consistent with balloon launches.

"Forgotten on the Moon?" (Expressen 79-12-09)

Ben Rzeptka, a 36-year-old former NASA scientist, claims that one astronaut was left behind on the Moon during the 1969 lunar landing. He asserts that there were three astronauts in the lunar module, not two, and that one remains on the Moon. Rzeptka was reportedly fired from NASA after making this claim but states he has evidence to be revealed in a future book.

UFO Wave in Adalen, Sweden (Sundsvalls Tidning 79-12-23)

Several people in the Adalen region reported observing UFO phenomena over several days. The sightings included strange tracks in the snow, initially suspected to be from a landed UFO, and unexplained lights observed in Styrnäs. The article notes that these reports have led to questions about a potential "invasion from space."

Technological Developments

"Britter utvecklar tefat" (Brits Develop Flying Saucers)

On the Isle of Man, work has begun on a prototype airship shaped like a flying saucer. The project aims to secure further capital through the stock market, with the Isle of Man authorities investing. The first full-scale prototype is designed for 60 passengers and a cruising speed of 160 km/h. The development is being handled by a startup company backed by European Ferries, which has invested approximately 18 million SEK in the project, with total development costs estimated at around 55 million SEK.

"Rymdskytteln fördröjd" (Space Shuttle Delayed)

The launch of the US space shuttle "Columbia" has been postponed to June 1980. The delay is attributed to further setbacks in motor production. A recent incident involved a ruptured pipeline for liquid hydrogen during engine tests, causing insufficient hydrogen supply and an overly oxygen-rich combustion that damaged the combustion chamber. The issue stemmed from using incorrect welding wire, which contained softer material than specified. The test program must now be repeated using a previously used combustion chamber.

"Första provskottet" (First Test Shot)

Europe's first launch vehicle for utility satellites, Ariane, with Volvo's combustion chambers in its first two stages and a Saab-Scania onboard computer, is scheduled for its first test launch on December 15. The launch will take place from the French space center Kourou in French Guiana, South America. The rocket weighs over 200 tons and can place satellites weighing approximately 1000 kg into geostationary orbit.

"Klotblixtar kommer från solen" (Ball Lightning Comes from the Sun)

According to Soviet astronomer Sergej Vsechsvjatskij, ball lightning may consist of particles from the sun's interior, termed plasmoids. These solar plasma streams are held together by magnetic fields along "magnetic channels." Some streams are believed to penetrate the atmosphere and transform into ball lightning.

"Kina har fått sin egen rymdhund" (China Has Its Own Space Dog)

China has launched its own space dog, 20 years after the Soviet Union's Laika. The dog's name has not been revealed, but it resembles a Pekingese. China also plans future space missions with humans.

"Eldslågor slog upp från stuprören..." (Flames Shot Up from Downspouts...)

An incident in Norrköping involving flames erupting from downspouts, power outages, and electrical surges was initially speculated to be caused by a UFO landing nearby. However, the cause was determined to be unburned gases escaping from the ground, not a flying saucer.

Immanuel Velikovsky

"Velikovsky, ett profetöde" (Velikovsky, a Prophet)

This section commemorates the death of Immanuel Velikovsky, described as a controversial author in the "Fantastic History" genre. Velikovsky proposed a world view where a celestial event approximately 3,500 years ago, involving a large mass detaching from Jupiter and passing close to Earth, caused significant geological and historical upheaval. He suggested this event led to biblical plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and changes in Earth's rotation and orbit. The article notes that Velikovsky's theories, detailed in books like "Worlds in Collision," "Earth in Upheaval," and "Ages in Chaos," have both detractors and adherents. It mentions his belief that he was targeted by a "worldwide conspiracy of scientists" who dismissed his work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'SF - INFORMATION' strongly emphasizes current events and news within the science fiction and UFO communities. It covers a range of topics from film and book reviews to detailed reports on technological advancements and UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various phenomena and theories, including controversial ones like Velikovsky's cosmological ideas and the claim of a forgotten astronaut on the Moon, while also including scientific explanations and skepticism (e.g., weather balloons, gas leaks). The inclusion of reader feedback requests suggests an interactive approach to content creation.