Svsvaren - 1980 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: SVAVAREN
Issue: 3/80
Date: May 22, 1980
Publisher: UFO-CENTER, KARLSKOGA
Language: Swedish

This issue of SVAVAREN, the organ of UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA, is presented as a summer number, filled with interesting articles for UFO enthusiasts. The cover features a striking illustration of a flying object.

Editorial and Organizational Matters

The editorial, titled "Ledare," addresses the readers as "UFO-vän" (UFO friend) and expresses hope that they will enjoy the summer number. It highlights the upcoming interview with Jaques Vallee as particularly noteworthy for its unique perspective on the UFO question. The editorial also delves into significant events at the UFO-Sverige national meeting in Enköping. A key point of contention was a motion proposed by UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA, which was passed with a large majority. However, this led to the withdrawal of Föreningen UFO-Information, UFO-Falun, and UFO-Syd from UFO-Sverige. The editorial criticizes this action as undemocratic and disruptive, suggesting that these organizations may have acted preemptively.

The editorial further laments the loss of UFO-Sverige's national newspaper, "UFO- Information," which was apparently transferred to Föreningen UFO-Information without member consent, becoming a local publication under the national name. The loss of UFO-Sverige's membership register, containing over 2000 addresses, is also highlighted as a severe setback. The editorial expresses dismay that individuals who helped build UFO-Sverige are now attempting to sabotage it.

Despite these challenges, the editorial announces the upcoming launch of a new national UFO magazine, "UFO-SVERIGE-AKTUELLT," which promises to be transparent about its operations and finances, and will be run by individuals without personal economic interests. It will also feature critical voices and aim for a more open view on the UFO question. The issue calls for financial contributions from affiliated organizations and individual members to support this new publication.

The editorial concludes by thanking the Enköpings UFO-Förening for their work in organizing the successful 1980 UFO-Riksstämma and reminds readers of upcoming events, including the season finale in Jungfruboda on June 7, 1980. A postscript notes that UFO-Syd has requested to rejoin UFO-Sverige after better understanding the issues surrounding the motion.

Motion NR 8: Establishment of a UFO-Sweden Research Archive

This section details Motion NR 8, presented at the UFO-Sverige national meeting in Enköping on March 22, 1980, by the Stockholm UFO-förening. The motion, slightly shortened for publication, emphasizes the need to establish a research archive for Swedish UFO material.

It argues that UFO-Sverige has worked for years to demonstrate the existence of something unusual to the public and authorities. The organization has accumulated a significant amount of data, including reports, recordings, and photos. The motion highlights that ufology is entering its second phase, moving from simply asserting that something strange exists to investigating *what* it is. This involves looking for underlying patterns rather than focusing on individual cases.

The motion stresses that serious researchers need access to a broad range of reports. It proposes that Sweden's unique report material should be made accessible to international UFO research, citing figures like Hynek and Vallee.

The proposed actions are:
1. The board should develop the principles and practical conditions for a scientific analysis of Swedish UFO material.
2. Actively seek contacts with qualified individuals within and outside UFO-Sverige who can assist in processing the material.
3. Assess the volume of report material and identify simple library-like structures for immediate implementation.
4. Investigate suitable locations for storing the archive.
5. Contact AFU (Arbetsgruppen För UFO-forskning) for professional advice and collaboration on setting up the archive.
6. The board should report to the members via the member magazine on the progress of establishing the UFO-Sverige research archive.

The motion is signed by Christer Nordin (chairman) and Jan Fjellander of the Stockholm UFO-förening.

Flying 'Bus' Over Filipstad

This article reports on a UFO sighting that occurred in Filipstad on the evening of March 22, 1980, around 9:40 PM. The witness, former policeman Nils Franken, and his brother Ivar, were walking their dog when they observed an intense light, described as a "sharp bicycle lamp," low in the sky to the west. Within seconds, a strange object approached at an altitude of about 100 meters.

The object was described as having a bus-like front, approximately 2 meters wide and 3 meters high, and square. It had a light ramp along its upper edge and sides. Later, they saw the object from the side, estimating its length to be about 14-15 meters, comparable to a truck with a trailer. It also had an 8-10 meter long light ramp, like a window, emitting a faint red glow. No sound was heard, possibly a faint hum.

The object flew so low that it was hidden by a three-story building. Franken estimated the observation time to be 3-4 seconds and the distance covered to be about 500 meters. He perceived the "shell" to be metallic, but details were obscured by the darkness. The light ramps did not illuminate the ground, and nothing was visible inside the "window." A boy playing with his dog nearby did not observe the object.

• The article also mentions other UFO reports from the same evening:
• In the same town (Filipstad) at 9:45 PM, Lars-Åke Ekström, Hans Sunesson, and another woman witnessed an orange-yellow fireball with a long tail moving southeast, appearing to wobble.
• Around 9 PM, a similar observation was reported from Malung in Dalarna.
• Around 9:25 PM, a light ball was seen in Västerås moving towards Enköping.
• In Enköping, a fireball was observed by personnel from P1.
• Around 9:42 PM, a light ball, "yellower than stars" with a long luminous tail, was seen high in the sky over Rosendal in Karlskoga.
• Lidköpings-Tidningen reported a sighting at 9:45 PM of a luminous object passing low over the church in Lidköping.

A cartoon at the end of the page depicts two figures in a spaceship with the caption: "They must be from a highly advanced civilization. There is a full war going on."

Current Information About the Sun

This article discusses the current solar maximum, noting that sunspot activity is high. Sunspot cycles typically occur every 11 years, with the last maximum in 1968 and the current one occurring just over 11 years later. The current maximum is described as more intense than usual, with more numerous and larger sunspots than seen in 20 years.

Sunspots are cooler areas on the sun's surface, with temperatures around 4,500 degrees Celsius compared to the normal 6,000 degrees. Solar flares, which are eruptions of charged particles, are also more frequent during solar maximum. The energy released by these flares is immense, equivalent to Earth's total energy needs for 10,000 years.

The charged particles, known as solar wind, travel at hundreds of kilometers per second and reach Earth in about a day. This can cause disturbances in Earth's magnetic field, leading to radio interference and strong auroras. The article suggests that these phenomena should be visible this year.

Beyond the 11-year cycle, the sun's activity also varies over longer periods, possibly hundreds of years. Evidence for these longer variations comes from measurements of carbon-14 (C14) in tree rings. C14 is formed in Earth's atmosphere by cosmic radiation interacting with nitrogen. When solar activity is high, Earth's magnetic field creates a shield that blocks most cosmic radiation, resulting in less C14 formation. Conversely, low solar activity allows more cosmic radiation to penetrate, leading to higher C14 formation.

By measuring C14 levels in tree rings, scientists can track periods of high and low solar activity, including both the 11-year cycles and longer fluctuations. The article mentions the "little ice age" in the late 1700s as an example of a cold period traceable through higher C14 levels in tree rings. Evidence also suggests at least two other cold periods before 1700, identified using the same method.

The article speculates whether we are heading towards a new cold period, noting that it has been about 200 years since the "little ice age." It poses the question: "Has it not gotten worse in the summers lately?"

A footnote explains that C14, like regular carbon-12, can be incorporated into carbon dioxide and absorbed by plants during photosynthesis.

Another reflection by OWE questions whether planetary positions, particularly those of Jupiter and other large outer planets, might be responsible for the longer solar variations or the approximately 200-year solar cycle. He notes that Jupiter's orbital period roughly corresponds to the 11-year sunspot cycle and wonders about the alignment of planets in the future.

The issue includes an image labeled "SOLEN 19800411 KL 12,05" showing sunspots, with details about the weather and the number of visible sunspots.

Interview: Jaques Vallee

This section features an interview with astronomer and UFO researcher Jaques Vallee, conducted by OMNI magazine. Vallee discusses his evolving views on UFOs, moving away from the traditional debate of extraterrestrial visitation versus hoaxes.

Vallee recounts an experience in 1961 where he and other satellite observers noted an anomaly, but the project leader allegedly deleted the data, fearing ridicule. This event rekindled his interest in the UFO question.

He explains that his recent book, "Messengers of Deception," focuses not on UFOs themselves, but on the *belief* in UFOs. He states that he no longer subscribes to the view that UFOs are simply nonsense (like Philip Klass and Jim Oberg) nor that they are definitively extraterrestrial visitors, as he lacks conclusive proof for the latter. Vallee believes the problem is multifaceted, involving three phenomena: the physical, the psychological (how individuals react to physical encounters), and the social.

He finds the social aspect particularly interesting, suggesting that the public is bored with the old debates about UFO existence. He uses the analogy of the debate about Jesus's existence, arguing that if enough people believe something, it becomes real in its consequences, a concept he calls "conditioning."

Vallee has spent years talking to "contactees" and observing phenomena associated with UFO movements globally. He believes there is a physical influence, possibly electromagnetic energy in the form of microwaves and colored light, but also something else due to unusual properties of the light rays. He describes light rays that are only 10 meters long, which is not typical.

He notes that witness reports often describe light phenomena and colors rather than just craft. These descriptions are often different from natural phenomena or known aircraft. Witnesses frequently describe an area about 4 meters in diameter, from which electromagnetic forces are emitted. They also report psychological effects like "time loss," disorientation, and visible hallucinations. Vallee likens some of these effects to those induced by epilepsy, and mentions reports of muscle control issues, eye problems, and temporary blindness.

He observes patterns in landing and close-contact sightings, noting that most occur at night. He describes a curve of UFO activity that starts around 6 PM, doubles by 7-8 PM, triples by 8-9 PM, peaks just before midnight, and then declines. A second peak occurs just before dawn.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a pro-UFO stance, encouraging open discussion and research. It highlights the importance of democratic processes within UFO organizations and criticizes actions perceived as undemocratic or secretive. The publication of a new, transparent UFO magazine is a key theme, aiming to unify and inform the UFO community. The articles also explore the scientific aspects of UFO phenomena and related topics like solar activity, suggesting a connection between cosmic events and Earthly phenomena. The interview with Jaques Vallee represents a shift towards a more nuanced understanding of the UFO phenomenon, emphasizing psychological and social factors alongside physical evidence.

This issue of UFO-CENTER, dated 3/80, is a Swedish publication focusing on UFO phenomena, science fiction, and related mysteries. It features an in-depth interview with UFO researcher Jacques Vallée, discussions of classic UFO cases, and a section on science fiction films and books.

Interview with Jacques Vallée

The interview with Jacques Vallée forms a significant part of the magazine. Vallée discusses his research into UFOs, emphasizing that the phenomenon has the ability to alter people's perception of reality. He mentions having calculated energy levels of thousands of kilowatts in some cases. Vallée prioritizes investigating UFOs that are visually closer and have nearby reference points, allowing for better analysis of size and distance, especially when physical traces like burn marks are present.

He expresses skepticism about clear UFO photos or films, attributing the rarity to the sudden appearance and disappearance of objects. He believes that most widely published UFO photos are hoaxes. Vallée recounts his reaction to the French Air Force's alleged concealment of a report in 1961, which led him to build a network of contacts within the French Air Force and among astronomers. He notes that while official channels provided data, UFO groups often failed to publish their findings.

Vallée touches upon the psychological aspect of UFO belief, referencing Leon Festinger's work on cults, where external threats strengthen group cohesion. He contrasts this with the scientific community's initial rational approach, which tended to view UFOs as potential spacecraft. He highlights the period of 1961-62 when astronomers were skeptical of extraterrestrial life but the idea of interstellar travel was gaining traction.

He discusses the limitations of current physics in explaining UFO behavior, suggesting that objects might operate outside our understanding of time and space. Vallée also addresses reports of humanoids, noting the difficulty in explaining their human-like characteristics if they were truly extraterrestrial visitors. He proposes three alternative theories to the conventional spacecraft hypothesis: psychological warfare, secret operations, and a fundamental shift in our understanding of reality and physics, possibly involving an 'information physics' that has been overlooked.

Vallée is currently self-funding his research, focusing on unpublished and uninvestigated cases, and aims to critically examine information. He believes that the social aspect of the UFO phenomenon is currently the most important, as a majority of the US population believes UFOs are non-natural phenomena.

Classic UFO Cases

The magazine presents three classic UFO cases:

1. Oloron, France (October 17, 1952): A cylindrical object was observed by the Prigent family, accompanied by smaller, red, glowing objects. Condensation trails, described as 'angel hair,' were left behind and dissolved.
2. Tarna, Gaillac, and Prato, Italy (October 27, 1954): Residents in these towns witnessed 'flying cigars' accompanied by smaller objects and a mysterious substance falling from the sky. In Prato, two 'illuminated spools' and spheres were observed, and the falling substance was analyzed by professors, revealing a fibrous structure of borate-silicate glass.
3. Gargano, Italy (September 1966): A bank employee photographed two flying objects, one resembling those seen in Oloron and Gaillac, and another cigar-shaped object. The photos were analyzed and deemed authentic by CUN-UFO.

These cases are presented as evidence of hundreds of eyewitnesses, scientific experiments, and photographic proof.

Other Articles

• 'TEFAT TAR KAFFEPAUS' (Saucers Take a Coffee Break): This article recounts a bizarre incident from 1897 in Lansing, Michigan, where William Megiveron claimed to have prepared food for the crew of an airship that landed near a lake, requiring repairs.
• 'SPÖKPUMOR ANFALLER MÄNNISKOR???' (Ghost Pumas Attack Humans???): This section reports on sightings of large, cat-like creatures in Sussex, England, and documented incidents of animal attacks and large paw prints, suggesting the presence of pumas.
• 'SPÖKFLYGAREN' (The Ghost Flyer): This article from Umea, Sweden, describes the sighting of a large, unidentified monoplane flying silently over the area in 1934, possibly of Norwegian origin.
• Science Fiction Section: This part of the magazine highlights upcoming science fiction films like 'Saturn 3,' 'The Black Hole,' and the TV series 'Cosmos.' It also provides details about the film 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture,' including its plot, technical specifications, and production details.
• Book Review: A review of 'HOTET FRÅN OVAN' (The Threat from Above) by David Campbell and Albert Fay Hill, described as a fantasy story about a mysterious epidemic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, presenting UFO sightings, alleged encounters with strange beings, and mysterious aerial phenomena. There is a clear interest in presenting evidence, including eyewitness accounts, photographic analysis, and scientific investigations, even if the conclusions are speculative. The interview with Jacques Vallée suggests a critical and analytical approach, moving beyond simple 'flying saucer' explanations to consider psychological, sociological, and even fundamental physics-based theories. The inclusion of science fiction content indicates an overlap in interest between the unexplained and speculative future technologies and narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into paranormal and unexplained events, encouraging readers to consider various interpretations beyond conventional explanations.

This issue of UFO-CENTER, dated 3/80 and part of volume 20, is a Swedish magazine focused on UFO phenomena and science fiction. The cover prominently features the question "Var det UFO han såg?" (Did he see a UFO?) alongside an illustration of a mythological creature and a futuristic aircraft. The magazine includes articles on popular films, scientific concepts, personal encounters, and ongoing research.

Film and Record Reviews

The magazine begins with a review of the novelization of "Star Wars" (Stjärnornas Krig), describing it as a well-written story about Luke Skywalker's involvement in the rebellion against the empire. It notes that the plot was not detailed further as the film had been presented in a previous issue. A record is also mentioned: "Star Trek" had grossed 50 million kronor in its first three weeks in the USA and Canada.

Fantasy and Science Fiction

Under the "Fantasy" section, the magazine highlights horror films, noting that "Fantasy is also a type of science fiction." "The Fog" (Dimman) by John Carpenter is recommended as a terrifying film. The "Presstop, Presstop..." section includes a brief, alarming report about a dangerous murderer escaping from a mental hospital, warning the public. Another film, "When a Stranger Calls," is mentioned with a caution to watch it at one's own risk.

Science Fiction Becomes Reality

This section details the "Innovative Strategie Design-Program" (ASADS) by North American Airkraft Division at Rockwell International Corporation. The program studies a future manned bomber, a "flying wing" type aircraft, equipped with a laser cannon. This advanced concept is presented as an example of how science fiction influences development.

The "Sagogripen" Narrative

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a first-person narrative titled "Sagogripen av Sanno J." (The Sagogripen by Sanno J.). The narrator recounts attending a three-day conference where he met a mysterious individual named Doktor Fischer. Fischer possesses a small amulet, a "sagogrip," described as a mythological creature with an eagle's head and a lion's body. This object is made of an unknown, cold metal and has defied analysis. Fischer claims it represents a form of life radically different from human civilization, capable of transcending the concepts of life and death.

During the conference, Fischer invites the narrator to his home for an "experiment" involving "interstellar magnetism." The narrator experiences a disorienting event where he sees his life flash before his eyes in reverse, including a traumatic car accident involving a woman named Karin. He then finds himself in a hospital, with no memory of how he got there. The hospital staff inform him that he was found near a demolition site. Doktor Koslov and Professor Toyato, who were at the conference, visit him but claim not to know any Doktor Fischer and express confusion about the narrator's account of their previous meeting.

The narrator eventually learns that his wife, Karin, whom he believed lost, is alive and returning with their children. He realizes that Doktor Fischer's experiment may have altered his reality, possibly by reversing time or changing events. He finds the "Sagogrip" amulet in his jacket pocket, confirming Fischer's existence and the extraordinary nature of the events.

Clippings and Shorts

This section features several short articles:

• "Var det UFO han såg?" (Did he see a UFO?): A report from Filipstad, Sweden, about former policeman Nils Frankén's sighting of a large, unidentified flying object.
• "Serious about UFOs" (Letter to the Editor): A letter from Hugh Staples in London commending a publication's objective approach to ufology.
• "Nu blommar det i rymden..." (Now it's blooming in space...): A report from Moscow (AP/TASS) about cosmonauts on the Soviet space station "Salyut 6" growing plants.
• "Sovjet sände upp rymdfarkost" (Soviet Union launched spacecraft): A brief report (TT-TASS) about a manned spacecraft, Soyuz 35, being launched to dock with the Salyut station.
• "'Outsinlig kraftkälla' - Jonosfären i svenskt höstprojekt" ('Inexhaustible power source' - The ionosphere in a Swedish autumn project): An article about ground research on the ionosphere to be conducted in Kiruna, Sweden, as part of a project led by Sixten Olsson, technical chief for the Eiscat space project.
• "Varning för solstrålarna" (Warning about solar radiation): A report from Bochum about the largest sunspots in 20 years, which could affect radio traffic and weather, and potentially require aircraft to fly at lower altitudes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science fiction and reality, presenting futuristic technological concepts alongside alleged UFO sightings and personal encounters with the unexplained. There's a fascination with advanced civilizations and technologies that challenge human understanding of physics and existence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional scientific explanations, as exemplified by the "Sagogripen" narrative and the focus on UFO evidence and theories.