Svsvaren - 1980 No 2

Magazine Overview

SVAVAREN, issue 2/80, published by UFO-Center Karlskoga on March 22, 1980, is the organizational organ of the UFO-Center. The cover features a striking surrealistic illustration with futuristic cityscapes and a UFO, hinting at the articles within. The main cover headline is "MYSTISK FARKOST KOLLIDERAR MED TRÄD" (Mysterious Craft Collides with Tree).

Table of Contents

• The "UR INNEHÅLLET" (Contents) section lists the following articles and topics:
• LEDARE (Editorial)
• MOTION (Motion/Proposal)
• MYSTISK FARKOST KOLLIDERAR MED TRÄD (Mysterious Craft Collides with Tree)
• TEFATET I SOCORRO (The Saucer in Socorro)
• JORDBÄVNINGS-LJUS (Earthquake Lights)
• UFO- ETT FYSIKALISKT FENOMEN? (UFO - A Physical Phenomenon?)
• SF-INFORMATION (Science Fiction Information)
• KLIPPT&SKURET (Cut & Paste/Clippings)

The cover also includes a note: "Fantasibilden på omslaget kan få gälla som påskhälsning till våra läsare. En planet där man har äggformen till sina byggnader. GLAD PÅSK, från redaktionen. Tekning: Owe Lewitzki" (The fantasy image on the cover can serve as an Easter greeting to our readers. A planet where egg shapes are used for their buildings. Happy Easter, from the editorial staff. Drawing: Owe Lewitzki).

Editorial (Ledare)

The editorial, titled "HEJ IGEN !" (Hello Again!), addresses the readers and discusses recent activities and organizational matters. The editor expresses pride in being the first publication worldwide to feature a specific original article (details not provided in this section). The annual meeting had low attendance, but an exhibition at the library was successful, attracting many interested visitors, including school classes, over 14 days. The editorial hopes this will lead to more members. A reminder is issued to members to renew their subscriptions, with a payment slip included. Those who do not pay by the next issue will not receive further copies. The editorial highlights a well-attended discussion evening on "Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind" (Närkontakt av 3:e graden), attributing the interest to the topic itself rather than an expected visit from "KT" (which was cancelled). Future themed evenings are planned.

Regarding organizational matters, the editorial mentions the upcoming national assembly of Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige in Enköping on March 22nd. UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA has submitted a motion described as potentially "dynamite," aiming to ensure democratic rules within the organization. The motion concerns the power of Carl-Axel Jonzon, who handles the organization's magazine "UFO-Information," and his voting mandates based on subscriptions. The group plans to send 14-15 people to Enköping to advocate for democratic principles. The editorial also notes that the assembly program is expected to be interesting and a good opportunity for networking.

A postscript PS reminds readers to subscribe to "UFO-Information" for 1980, praising its recent issue as "top-notch" and "full of spirit."

Motion (Motion)

This section details a formal motion submitted by UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA to the UFO-Sverige national assembly in 1980. The motion expresses strong disagreement with the practice where Carl-Axel Jonzon's role in managing the "UFO-Information" magazine grants him a significant number of voting mandates at the assembly, based on the magazine's subscribers. The motion questions how many UFO-Sverige members are aware of the existence of a separate association called "UFO-INFORMATION" and that subscribers are members of both "UFO-INFORMATION" and "RIKSORGANISATIONEN UFO-SVERIGE." This dual membership, the motion argues, allows for indirect voting on issues, potentially enabling a single person to influence outcomes by casting votes for and against simultaneously. The motion deems this practice "highly irregular" and "undemocratic," as it allows Carl-Axel Jonzon to potentially overrule the votes of numerous delegates representing local clubs. It contrasts this with the practice in trade unions, where voting power is typically proportional to a club's membership size. The motion therefore calls for the immediate abolition of Carl-Axel Jonzon's mandates.

Mysterious Craft Collides with Tree (Mystisk Farkost Kolliderar med Träd)

This article, translated from an Australian contact, reports a significant event that likely occurred in early 1980. The incident involved a mysterious object colliding with a large tree in the Adelaide Hills, Australia. The report is based on a letter from Eiwind Kringsberg, who sent a clipping from an unspecified newspaper, possibly "ADELAIDE NEWS." The article describes how Daryl Brown, an employee at a stud farm in Stirling, witnessed a "yellow, half-moon-shaped object, eight meters long," hovering over a 70-meter tall tree. The collision caused extensive damage to the tree, with branches up to 30 cm thick being broken off at a height of approximately 30 meters above the ground. The impact left deep marks on the trunk, resembling a large car hitting the tree, but at a considerable height. No burn marks were found on the tree or the ground.

Mr. Brown reported that his guard dogs became agitated, barking and howling. He heard a loud crash and saw the object, which he described as a "large cylinder with a crescent-shaped bottom," hovering silently. He noted it had no lights and appeared solid, like a car. He did not see the object clearly due to the darkness and his flashlight beam. The Australian Air Force base in Edinburgh and the Meteorological Institute reported no crashes or explanations for the event.

Fru R.N. Irwin, wife of the late Bob Irwin (former chairman of the SA Jockey Club), stated that the incident was "very strange" and that an IR-radiation meter reacted strangely when pointed at the tree. While not a believer in flying saucers, she found the event peculiar. The horses at the stud farm were reportedly unaffected.

Herr Brown (21) also recounted that his dogs reacted with fear. He heard the crash and saw a yellow, cone-shaped light flame from the object as it moved away. He described the flame as intense, with a slight orange hue at the edges, and appearing to sink slowly. He noted dust moving on the ground, possibly due to wind. The object was described as silent, with only the sound of the dogs and the breaking wood audible.

Colin Norris from Australian International UFO Research investigated the site. He found no abnormal radiation or magnetic fields but detected significant infrared heat emanating from the tree. He concluded that the incident was likely caused by a UFO, given the heat signature and the physical evidence.

The article discusses the possibility of the object being a cruise missile or advanced military technology, but dismisses these theories due to the object's apparent undamaged state after the crash, the lack of sophisticated military equipment of such capability in Australia, and the fact that the object was large and traveled silently. The author acknowledges the possibility of extraterrestrial origin but maintains a cautious stance, emphasizing that the term UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) itself implies a lack of definitive identification.

The Saucer in Socorro (Tefatet i Socorro)

This is the first part of a series intended to describe well-known close encounters of the third kind. The Socorro case, which occurred on April 24, 1964, is presented as one of the most classic and credible cases, according to Dr. Allen Hynek. The incident began when a tourist family in a car noticed an egg-shaped object with a smooth aluminum or magnesium surface, slightly larger than their 1955 Cadillac, approaching them. The object hovered about 10 feet above the ground, passed over their car, and then moved southwest, hovering silently for about 30 seconds before descending behind a hill.

Simultaneously, police officer Lonnie Zamora was pursuing a speeding vehicle. He then heard a loud, continuous roar and saw a sharp blue, cone-shaped light flame about 750 meters away, moving towards a dynamite storage area. He stopped pursuing the speeder to investigate the potential explosion. As he drove towards the sound and light, he described the flame as intense, narrow, and sinking slowly. He noted dust moving on the ground, possibly due to wind.

After struggling to get his car up a hill, Zamora reached the top and saw the object in a ravine. He initially thought it resembled an overturned white car but realized it was different. He then observed two small figures, wearing white overalls, standing near the object and appearing to inspect it. One figure turned and looked directly at Zamora's car, seemingly surprised. Zamora noted the figures were small, with their heads significantly lower than the top of a nearby bush, and he could not recall them wearing any special headgear.

Zamora, concerned about the possibility of a crash or accident, initially reported it as a possible car accident over the police radio. He requested Sergeant Samuel Chavez of the New Mexico State Police to come to the location alone, considering Chavez trustworthy and the right person to inform if the object was an experimental craft from White Sands. He also wanted a witness.

When Zamora approached the ravine, he heard a heavy metallic "thump" and another loud bang. He saw the object clearly, noting two landing gears that were previously obscured. He described the object as having a crescent-shaped bottom and being about 50 feet (15 meters) away in the ravine. He mentioned that the two small figures were no longer visible.

Earthquake Lights (Jordbävnings-ljus)

This section is not detailed in the OCR text provided, but its title suggests a discussion of luminous phenomena associated with earthquakes.

UFO - A Physical Phenomenon? (UFO- Ett Fysiskt Fenomen?)

This section is not detailed in the OCR text provided, but its title suggests an article exploring the physical nature of UFOs.

SF-Information (SF-Information)

This section is not detailed in the OCR text provided, but likely contains news or discussions related to science fiction.

Clippings & Paste (Klippt & Skuret)

This section is not detailed in the OCR text provided, but likely contains various short news items or excerpts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SVAVAREN strongly advocates for the reality of UFO phenomena, presenting detailed case studies like the Australian tree collision and the Socorro incident as evidence. The editorial stance is one of active investigation and a desire to bring the UFO phenomenon to the attention of the scientific community. There's also a clear focus on organizational matters within the UFO movement, particularly concerning democratic processes and the structure of UFO-Sverige. The magazine appears to be a platform for both reporting on sightings and engaging in internal debates within the UFO community.

Title: SVÄVAREN
Issue: 10
Volume: 1980
Issue Date: September 1979 (raw date: sept.-79)
Publisher: SVÄVAREN
Country: Sweden
Original Language: Swedish

The Socorro Incident: A Detailed Account

The magazine presents a detailed narrative of the Lonnie Zamora incident, which occurred on April 24, 1964, in Socorro, USA. Police officer Lonnie Zamora reported seeing an object on the ground after hearing a loud noise and seeing a bright light. He described the object as oval, with a red inscription on its side, and noted it had landing gear. After the object ascended, it emitted a whistling sound and moved away rapidly. Zamora observed the object's ascent and its movement at a height comparable to his patrol car.

Upon arrival, Sergeant Chavez found Zamora visibly shaken. Chavez investigated the landing site and found burnt bushes and four impressions from the object's landing gear. Ray Stanford, a UFO investigator, later collected a stone from the site with metallic residues. Initial analysis suggested a zinc-iron alloy, but a later analysis by NASA identified the material as silicon dioxide (quartz).

The article includes a sketch of the object by Lonnie Zamora and a diagram illustrating the sequence of events, including Zamora's observations of the object's position and movement. The text also references other sources, including books by Jacques Vallee, Dr. Allen Hynek, and R. Emenegger, and mentions the translation by Acke Svensson.

Earthquake Lights and Ball Lightning

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the phenomenon of "earthquake lights" (jordbävningsljus). Dr. John S. Derr from the U.S. Geological Survey is cited, stating that the existence of these lights is now well-known and should not be ignored. These lights are described as most intense during earthquakes, resembling spotlights or ball lightning.

Yutaka Yasui of Japan is credited with taking the only known photographs of earthquake lights during the Matsushiro earthquakes between 1965 and 1967. At least 18 out of 35 reported observations during that period could not be explained by known light phenomena like meteors or twilight.

The strongest earthquake light was reported during the 1976 earthquake in China, where seismologists noted lights intense enough to turn night into day, visible up to 320 km away. Experts propose two possible causes: violent low-level air vibrations or piezoelectric effects in quartz-rich mountains. The latter, if proven correct, could lead to electrical warning methods for predicting earthquakes.

UFOs as a Physical Phenomenon: A Theoretical Exploration

The magazine features a critical UFO article by Ragnar Forshufvud from Karlskoga, which was slated for publication in the American journal PURSUIT. Forshufvud's theory posits that UFOs are natural phenomena akin to ball lightning, but generated by discharges within cracks (faults) in the Earth's crust, rather than atmospheric electrical discharges.

Forshufvud argues that many UFO reports are likely fabricated, and that observed phenomena are often misidentified meteors or balloons. He references a curated list of 80 cases by Dr. J.A. Hynek, focusing on close encounters.

The article compares UFOs to ball lightning, noting similarities in their flight and light emission, but also significant differences in size. While typical ball lightning is about 0.2 meters in diameter, UFOs are estimated to be much larger, ranging from 10 to 100 meters. UFOs are often described as disc-shaped or ellipsoidal, unlike the typically spherical ball lightning.

Observations of UFOs often last longer than ball lightning, which has a limited lifespan and usually dissipates with a bang. While UFOs sometimes disappear suddenly, the author suggests this might be an illusion of rapid acceleration rather than actual departure. The article explores the possibility that the visual diameter of a UFO might rapidly decrease at the end of its existence, creating the impression of high speed.

UFO Model Characteristics:

• Shape: Ellipsoid (circular symmetry around the minor axis).
• Dimensions: Major axis 30 m, minor axis 8 m.
• Volume: 3,800 m³.
• Surface Area: 1,600 m².
• Energy Output: Based on an assumption of 800 W/m² radiation, a UFO model would emit 1.3 MW.
• Energy Content: With a lifespan of 1,000 seconds, this would equate to 1.3 x 10⁹ Joules.
• Mass Estimate: Assuming a density similar to air, the model's mass would be approximately 5,000 kg. This requires significant force for acceleration, leading to the author's skepticism about conventional propulsion.

Forshufvud questions the possibility of conventional propulsion given the high accelerations reported. He suggests that UFOs might be less massive than initially assumed, or that their mass is significantly lower than air density, allowing them to ascend like balloons. He also considers the immense air resistance at high speeds.

The author proposes that UFOs are not physical objects in the conventional sense but rather "cells of oscillating electromagnetic energy." They ionize the air as they pass through it, but do not transport it. This explains why sonic booms are not reported at high speeds. The theory suggests that the air acts merely as a medium, similar to how it carries sound waves.

If UFOs and ball lightning are indeed the same phenomenon, the hypothesis that air serves only as a medium fits with ball lightning's ability to pass through closed windows. The energy source for these phenomena remains a mystery, but the theory must adhere to fundamental physics principles, such as the conservation of energy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, UFOs, and related scientific and theoretical discussions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting detailed accounts of sightings and scientific investigations, while also encouraging critical analysis and theoretical exploration. The inclusion of both eyewitness reports and scientific speculation suggests a commitment to understanding these phenomena from multiple perspectives. The magazine also highlights its role in publishing timely information, noting that it is ahead of larger publications in certain areas.

This issue of SVÄVAREN, dated February 25, 1980, is a Swedish science fiction and UFO-themed magazine. It features a prominent cover story questioning whether gigantic pyramids on Mars are evidence of intelligent life. The magazine also includes articles on the potential connection between earth currents, geomagnetic storms, and UFO sightings, as well as reviews and news related to science fiction literature, films, and comics.

Earth Currents and UFOs

The article "Under åskväder frigörs stora mängder elektromagnetisk energi..." (Under thunderstorms, large amounts of electromagnetic energy are released...) explores the relationship between electrical phenomena and UFOs. While thunderstorms and lightning are well-known, UFOs are suggested to have a different origin. The theory presented is that UFOs are generated by electrical discharges occurring underground, possibly within the seams of continental shelves. During geomagnetic storms, which are common during periods of high solar activity, strong electrical currents, known as earth currents, flow through the Earth's crust. Historically, these currents interfered with low-frequency telegraphy, especially during solar maxima. The article notes that these earth currents are now used to predict earthquakes, as they change before seismic events, likely due to deep fissures acting as giant switches. These fissures can also lead to electrical discharges. The energy involved in these underground discharges is considered a potential source for UFOs, with the model suggesting that even a small portion of the energy from geomagnetic activity could power a UFO.

The hypothesis is tested by examining whether UFOs are often observed near fault lines or in connection with earthquakes, and if there's a correlation between geomagnetic storms and UFO sightings. While statistical proof is difficult to obtain, the author believes UFOs are frequently observed in these contexts. The article also references a graph (Fig. 2) showing that UFO observation maxima in the period 1957-1968 nearly coincided with solar maxima, supporting the idea of a link between geomagnetic activity and UFOs.

The Mystery of Mars

The cover story, "Jättelika pyramider på Mars tecken på intelligent liv?" (Gigantic pyramids on Mars – sign of intelligent life?), discusses the findings from the Viking landers in 1976. Initial images from Mariner 4 and 6 suggested Mars was a barren, cratered planet, disappointing expectations. However, Mariner 9 revealed a more varied topography in the northern hemisphere, including giant volcanoes and vast canyons. The Viking landers were equipped to search for life, and while initial ground tests were inconclusive, they indicated unusual chemical activity on the Martian surface.

The article highlights the work of David L. Chandler, a young American science journalist, who argues in his book "Life on Mars" that Mars could be a sister planet to Earth with intelligent life. Chandler's theory is based on the significant amount of water found on Mars, primarily as ice in the polar caps, which could cover the planet in a five-meter layer if melted. The presence of water, along with an atmosphere and relatively moderate temperatures, fulfills the conditions for Earth-like life. Chandler suggests that Viking lander tests likely yielded positive results for organic life, possibly in forms that have adapted to extreme conditions, such as thick protective shells against ultraviolet radiation.

He further proposes that life on Mars might have evolved beyond a primitive microbial level, potentially reaching the complexity of Earth's lichens. Chandler also discusses the theory that Mars is currently undergoing an ice age, with polar wandering affecting its climate. He speculates that during periods when both hemispheres receive equal sunlight, the ice caps would shrink, leading to increased atmospheric pressure and the potential for liquid water and rain. This could fill ancient riverbeds and create a large ocean in the northern hemisphere, reminiscent of an ancient sea.

The most sensational aspect discussed is the presence of gigantic, three-sided pyramids near the coast of Elyseum island in the northern ocean. While scientists have proposed explanations involving wind erosion, Chandler finds these absurd and suggests the pyramids could be artificial structures built by intelligent life. The article concludes by noting that despite initial disappointments, the possibility of life, and perhaps even Martians, on Mars remains open.

Science Fiction News and Reviews

This section, "SF-INFORMATION," provides updates on science fiction. It includes:

• Film Tip: A preview of the film "STAR TREK," noting its box office success in the USA and its production cost. It mentions Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Mr. Spock (Leonard Nemoy), and the special effects work by John Dykstra and Douglas Trumbull.
• Poster Tip: Information about an "ALIEN" special poster available for 9:75 kr from Semic.
• Book Tip: A review of Isaac Asimov's "LUCKY STARR PÅ MERKURIUS" (Lucky Starr on Mercury), praising it as an exciting agent story and highlighting Asimov's famous three laws of robotics.
• Book Review: "DE STORA RYMDKRIGEN" (The Great Space Wars) is recommended as a good, well-illustrated SF book, priced at 69 kr.
• Comic Strip History: A look at the history of "Blixt Gordon" (Flash Gordon), created by Alex Raymond, detailing his life and career, including his work on "Agent X-9" and the later artists who took over "Flash Gordon" and "Rip Kirby."
• Robot-Kriget (Robot War) Film Review: A scathing review of a film described as a "dreadful concoction" with poor dialogue, editing, and dubbing.
• The Legend of Jules Verne: A biographical piece on Jules Verne, detailing his early life, his fascination with adventure, his move to Paris, his marriage, and his prolific writing career. It highlights his prophetic ability to predict inventions like submarines, helicopters, and rockets.
• SF Series: An announcement that SVÄVAREN will feature TV series and films about SF.
• Star Wars (STJÄRNORNAS KRIG): A synopsis of the plot of "Star Wars," describing the Rebel Alliance's theft of the Death Star plans and their fight against the Galactic Empire. It mentions key characters like Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, Ben Kenobi, Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Emperor Ming.
• George Lucas Interview Snippet: A quote from George Lucas about his initial desire to make a Flash Gordon film and his subsequent creation of "Star Wars" when he couldn't acquire the rights.
• Press Stop: Mentions the release of the book "ALIEN" (14:75 kr), the comic series "Buck Rogers-rymdhjälten" (approx. 15:75 kr), and "Världarnas Krig" (The War of the Worlds) in comic form (approx. 6:75 kr).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions science fiction as a genre, presenting news, reviews, and historical insights into its various forms – literature, film, and comics. There's a clear interest in exploring speculative concepts, from the possibility of extraterrestrial life on Mars to the energy sources behind UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting theories and evidence, even if speculative (like the Mars pyramids), while also offering critical reviews of media. The inclusion of historical pieces on influential figures like Jules Verne and Alex Raymond suggests an appreciation for the genre's roots. The magazine aims to inform and engage its readership with both current trends and foundational elements of science fiction and ufology.