Svsvaren - 1981 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: SVAVAREN
Issue: 3/81
Date: December 5, 1981
Publisher: UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA
Language: Swedish

This issue of SVAVAREN, the organ of UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA, delves into a variety of topics, primarily focusing on UFO phenomena and the historical practice of dowsing. It features a significant local UFO sighting, an analysis of a Soviet UFO report, and historical accounts of dowsing practitioners.

UFO Sightings in Hällefors and Filipstad

The magazine highlights a UFO incident in Hällefors on the evening of Thursday, October 15, 1981. Multiple witnesses reported seeing a giant, bus-like object hovering at low altitude, described as similar to a train with a trailer or two coupled rail buses. The object had illuminated windows and emitted a loud, high-pitched whirring noise. This sighting is compared to a similar event in Filipstad approximately a year prior, where a bus-like object was also observed. The article notes the striking similarities between the two incidents, including the presence of former police officers as witnesses.

Analysis of a Soviet UFO Report

Another key article discusses a document titled "Observations of Abnormal Atmospheric Phenomena in the USSR," published by the Soviet Academy of Sciences in 1979. This report is a statistical analysis of 256 Soviet UFO observations. The researchers, including specialists in visual perception, deliberately avoided using the term "UFO," finding it too definitive. The report indicates a peak in observations in 1967, possibly linked to a TV program encouraging public reporting. A significant portion of the witnesses possessed impressive qualifications, including scientists, pilots, and engineers. Many cases involved multiple witnesses or were classified as "mass observations." The observed objects exhibited diverse shapes (discs, stars, half-moons, ellipses, cigar-like) and demonstrated irregular movements, including sharp turns, hovering, and unusual maneuvering. Notably, most objects were silent, a common characteristic in UFO reports.

The article points out that the Soviet investigators did not draw conclusions, emphasizing the need for more data. It mentions that while the Soviet Union is not actively engaged in UFO research, the compilation of this report by credible scientists is significant due to the statistical similarities with data from other countries. The report was made available through Center For UFO Studies, and Dr. J. Allen Hynek commented that the official denial of UFO research by the Soviet government (via Pravda) was inaccurate.

The article also touches upon the role of Dr. Feliks Y. Zigel, a prominent figure in Soviet UFO studies, whose data was used in the report. It notes his extensive publications and his reluctance to be interviewed. The text also references a 1967 US Air Force textbook that included material similar to the Soviet report, detailing an incident where Soviet air defense fired on UFOs near the Kuril Islands.

The History and Practice of Dowsing

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to the practice of dowsing (Slagrutan). The article explores the history of "rutgängare" (dowsers), individuals who claim to find water, minerals, and even detect infidelity using dowsing rods, twigs, or metal rods.

• Historical figures discussed include:
• Baron and Madame Beusoleil: Known for claiming to find gold, silver, coal, and other minerals, they eventually died in prison, accused of sorcery.
• Bonden Aymar: From Dauphine, France, he was noted for his ability to detect marital infidelity among the upper class, though his success was reportedly contradictory.
• Bleton: A water finder from the same region as Aymar, he experienced physical symptoms like irregular pulse and headaches when over water veins. His dowsing rod reportedly rotated at 70-80 RPM.
• Carl von Linné: The naturalist's encounter with a dowser is recounted, where the dowser located a hidden purse of coins, despite Linné's initial skepticism.

• The article also features dowsers with unique abilities and methods:
• Richard (1861-1881): A French diviner who claimed to see water veins like others see houses or trees. His dowsing rod had a spirit level attached.
• Paranque (18th century) and a girl from Beirut (early 20th century) are mentioned as other water diviners.
• Mager: A Frenchman who found dowsing difficult with gloves.
• Lawrence: An Englishman with 27 children, who used a spiral steel spring and could accurately pinpoint water sources even blindfolded.
• Mullins: An Englishman who claimed to have found 5,000 water veins, with his dowsing rod pointing upwards.
• Gataker: Used only outstretched arms to find water.

• Swedish dowsers are also highlighted:
• A man from Medelpad: Claimed his pulse would race when his ear was near moving water underground.
• J. Lindström: From Skellefteå, known for experiencing strong reactions, including fainting, from dowsing. He used rubber galoshes to mitigate the effects and sometimes used a gold ring on his dowsing rod when searching for lost gold items.
• Ragnar Blomberg: Described by geologist Dr. L. Holmström as someone who could locate water without a dowsing rod, simply by the trembling of his hand. Blomberg also suggested that sleeping over water veins could cause ailments like headaches and rheumatism.

Korseman, a factory engineer, noted that lightning strikes occur where water veins converge, and that crows build nests over water veins. He also suggested that bent trees indicate water veins.

The article mentions that dowsers often suffered physically from their work. It also touches upon the international dowsing community, mentioning Major von Græve's involvement with the Turkish army and Baron von Bülow's theory that lightning strikes trees over water veins.

Other Sections

Letters to the Editor/Editor's Column: The editor addresses a mistake in the club's program regarding the new meeting location (now in the basement at Flygfältsvägen 21). They also discuss the increased cost of sending the magazine "Svävaren" to members (2.50 SEK per issue) and the decision to reduce the number of issues per year from 5-6 to 4-5 due to rising printing and paper costs. The editor also appeals for financial support through "stödprenumeration" (support subscriptions) to help the organization survive.

"Did You Know?" Section: This section includes trivia about the Earth's oceans, snowflakes, and thunderstorms.

Astronomical News: The magazine reports on two astronomical discoveries: extremely high temperatures in gas clouds around Saturn, discovered by the Voyager probe, and the detection of a violent collision between the Sun and a comet in 1979 by an American satellite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained phenomena of UFOs and the historical and contemporary practice of dowsing. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting data and historical accounts without necessarily endorsing definitive conclusions, particularly regarding UFOs. The magazine encourages reader participation and financial support to continue its work. The dowsing articles present a historical perspective, highlighting both the purported abilities of practitioners and the skepticism and difficulties they faced.

This issue of Bergslagsposten, dated Wednesday, October 28, 1981, from UFO-Center Karlskoga, features a prominent cover story about a UFO sighting in Hällefors, Sweden. The main headline declares, "Many reports, but the police are sure: There was something up there in the sky!" The issue also includes articles on scientific theories related to UFOs, ancient astronauts, and cosmology.

Hällefors UFO Sighting

The lead article details a mysterious aerial event that occurred in Hällefors the previous Thursday evening. Numerous residents, including former police chief Björn Fagrell, reported seeing an object with four illuminated windows flying in tight circles around the town for approximately an hour. Fagrell described it as resembling two connected railcars with bright lights, flying very low. He alerted the police station, and several officers witnessed the phenomenon. The object was seen to emit a flame-like appearance as it moved south. The Swedish defense staff and the aviation authority had no explanation for the sighting, and no military activities were reported in the area. UFO researchers in Eskilstuna called the case one of the most interesting of its kind, suggesting it was not a simple light phenomenon and ruling out conventional aircraft.

Witness Accounts and Official Response

Witnesses, including police officers, were certain of what they saw. The events were observed between approximately 7:15 PM and 8:15 PM. A man walking his dog and a woman also reported seeing the mysterious craft earlier. The defense staff received a report from UFO Sweden but could not provide a connection to any known activities. They referred inquiries to the FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency), where no immediate answers were available.

UFO Perspectives

Stig Aggestad from UFO in Eskilstuna noted that the Hällefors event was highly significant. He mentioned a past case in Eskilstuna where a family was followed by an object the size of a football field. While acknowledging the Hällefors event was inexplicable, he cautiously suggested it might have been a plane with light advertising. However, he later recalled a similar case involving a sports plane with light advertising near Mälardalen. Aggestad criticized the defense staff and aviation authorities for not better monitoring airspace, allowing such unidentified phenomena to occur. UFO Sweden intended to conduct further investigations, completely ruling out a simple light phenomenon due to the object's behavior and reported sound.

Object Characteristics and Location

According to a footnote, the craft circled the town with a radius of about 5-6 km, completing a turn in roughly one minute. Its altitude was estimated at 75-100 meters. The object was described as having a diamond-like, multifaceted surface with luminous spotlights on each plane. Three rotating lights in red, green, and yellow were visible at its center. The object was observed to move in precise formations and perform impossible 90-degree turns at incredible speeds, sometimes becoming invisible.

"Bilder ur Vetandets Värld" Magazine Review

The issue features a review of a new Swedish science magazine titled "Bilder ur Vetandets Värld" (Pictures from the World of Knowledge). The reviewer praises its comprehensive coverage of various scientific fields, including space, technology, history, and astronomy. It is compared to the American magazine "Omni" and recommended for serious UFO enthusiasts. The magazine is published 8 times a year and costs 13.95 SEK per issue, with a subscription discount available.

Scientific Hypotheses and Theories

Weinert's Hypothesis on Exodus

An article discusses George F. Weinert's analysis of the biblical story of Exodus. Weinert, a high school student, used computer modeling to predict the effects of a celestial body passing close to Earth. His hypothesis suggests that a planet of Earth's size, passing at a specific distance, could have caused tidal waves large enough to part the sea, as described in Exodus. He calculated that such an event would require a planet with a highly eccentric orbit, returning every 3,600 years. Weinert's work is presented as a scientific attempt to explain ancient catastrophes.

The "Nollingar" Theory

Another significant article introduces the concept of "Nollingar," based on reports from the American magazine National Enquirer. UFO researchers, including Brad Steiger and Dr. Franklin Ruehl, propose that many UFOs are actually hyper-intelligent, energy-based life forms. These "Nollingar" are described as capable of becoming invisible, changing size and shape, and projecting images directly into human minds. They are said to be detected by radar and sensitive instruments and are considered immortal energy beings. The article cites numerous eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence supporting their existence.

Zecharia Sitchin and the Twelfth Planet

The issue also critically examines Zecharia Sitchin's theory of a "Twelfth Planet" (Marduk) from which extraterrestrial beings called "Nefilim" allegedly came to Earth 450,000 years ago to mine gold. The author questions Sitchin's scientific basis, particularly the proposed orbit of Marduk and the ability of its inhabitants to survive in extreme cold. Sitchin's claim that this planet caused a global flood 13,000 years ago is also challenged based on calculations of its gravitational effect.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed, including "Fakta om astronomi" by Patrick Moore, "Svarta hål och kosmiska ägg" by Isaac Asimov, and "Astronomisk uppslagsbok" by Åke Wallenquist. These reviews highlight their content and appeal to readers interested in astronomy and cosmology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and alternative scientific theories, often drawing from international sources like the National Enquirer. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating these topics seriously, even when they venture into speculative or fringe science, as seen with the discussion of Weinert's hypothesis and the "Nollingar" theory. There is a clear interest in presenting these subjects to a Swedish audience, bridging the gap between sensational reports and scientific inquiry. The publication also promotes its own subscription service for "Bilder ur Vetandets Värld."

Title: Svävaren
Issue: 3/81
Publisher: UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA
Date: January 1981

This issue of Svävaren magazine features a diverse range of articles, including critical analysis of ancient text translations, explorations into psychic archaeology, and a detailed review of the science fiction horror film 'Alien.' The magazine also includes a lighthearted comic strip and a section on upcoming publications.

Sitchin as Translator

The article critically examines the work of Zecharia Sitchin, questioning his translations of ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian texts, particularly from his book 'The Stairway to Heaven.' The author highlights Sitchin's absolute confidence in his translations, which he deems 'logical,' and notes his lack of references despite extensive study. The piece contrasts Sitchin's ability to translate dead languages with the rigorous process of translating ancient Greek, which involves many scholars. Examples are given where Sitchin's interpretations of images, such as 'fighting gods' or 'Ea with his running water,' are presented as highly subjective and difficult to accept without his specific framing. The author also points out that archaeological findings made since Sitchin's book was published do not align with his theories, citing evidence of early animal domestication, cultivated wheat in Egypt predating Mesopotamia, and the origin of refined metals in Europe.

The Art of Argumentation

Sitchin's argumentative style is described as classic, similar to Erich von Däniken, where a question is posed, followed by evidence supporting his theory, leading to a firm conclusion. This technique is noted for its persuasiveness.

Texts Versus Images

The article discusses Sitchin's use of images to support his textual interpretations, questioning the validity of his claims. For instance, an image of two gods is interpreted by Sitchin as a dispute over a rocket launch tower, an interpretation the author finds highly improbable. Another image of the Babylonian god Ea is interpreted by Sitchin as suggesting the possibility of finding gold and minerals in water, a conclusion the author also disputes.

Archaeology Takes a Step Forward

The section contrasts Sitchin's theories with archaeological discoveries, noting that findings from Egypt and Mesopotamia do not support his claims. It highlights that Egypt was likely the first to domesticate animals and cultivate wheat, predating Mesopotamia. The origin of writing is traced to Bulgaria, and the earliest refined metal found in Europe, with silver from the royal tombs of Ur originating from Bohemia.

Mobius Group: Psychic Archaeology

This section introduces the Mobius group, founded in 1976 by Stephan A. Schwartz. It is described as an experimental collaboration between individuals with psychic abilities and conventional scientists. The group is not permanent, with members changing based on the mission. The article details an expedition where the group located the wreck of an old ship near the Catalina Islands. Mediums Ingo Swann and Hella Hammid provided descriptions of the ship, its contents, and its history, which were later confirmed by the expedition. The ship, made of wood, was estimated to have sunk 83-90 years prior due to an explosion or fire. The discovery included a wheel with an axle, a Y-shaped metal object, and other items predicted by the mediums. The wreck was found in an area not documented on any charts.

Unique Composition

The discovery of the wreck is attributed to the unique composition of the Mobius group, highlighting their ability to achieve what traditional methods could not.

Psychic Archaeology is Nothing New

The article notes that the collaboration between psychics and scientists is not new, with a 75-year history of such partnerships in archaeology. It mentions that the American Anthropology Association began regular courses in parapsychology in 1974.

Lost Port City Found

The Mobius group also participated in an experiment in Egypt to rediscover the ancient city of Marea. The only visible remains were parts of a stone pier in alkaline water. The city was once a beautiful port connected to the sea, but it dried up and was buried by desert sand. The group, consisting of 22 members, had no prior knowledge of the site.

Deep in the Sand

Finding Marea proved more challenging than the shipwreck due to the lack of a detailed map. Mediums George McMullen and Hella Hammid were tasked with identifying cultural artifacts, their descriptions, and their depth in the sand. Egyptian professor Fawzi Fakharani, initially skeptical, assisted the excavation. The mediums, working separately, were given a large area to identify a building and its associated artifacts. They described a Byzantine building with specific features, including a green substance and a floor of polished marble.

Hella Hammid's Predictions

Hella Hammid predicted a significant building with multiple rooms, wall tiles (possibly green), and a floor of polished marble, possibly part of a bathroom or washing area. She also described a room like an alcove with a broken column or statue.

What Was Found

After 14 days of excavation, Georges' house began to emerge at a depth of nearly one meter. Byzantine remains were found, along with a green substance at a depth of 1.5 meters. Hammid's predicted alcove and a cylindrical clay object were found. Smooth marble floor tiles, not square but round, were also discovered, possibly belonging to a bathroom. A Polish archaeologist, unaware of the mediums' predictions, suggested the site was used for steam baths.

Alien: The Eighth Passenger

This section provides a detailed synopsis of the film 'Alien.' The story begins with the spaceship Nostromo on a routine mission returning to Earth with a crew of seven humans and one cat. They receive a signal from an unknown planet in the Zeta II star system, prompting them to investigate. They land on the planet and discover the wreckage of an unknown ship. During the investigation, a crew member, Kane, is attacked by an alien organism from an egg. The organism attaches itself to Kane and implants an egg within him. The creature dies, but the implanted egg gestates. Kane later experiences violent convulsions, and a serpentine creature bursts from his abdomen, killing him. This marks the beginning of a deadly hunt for the crew.

The Hunt

A hunt ensues for the alien creature, which grows rapidly and becomes larger than a human. The creature attacks and kills crew members, including Brett and Captain Dallas, who is killed in the ship's ventilation system. Ripley takes command and discovers that Ash, the science officer, was programmed to protect the alien, revealing him to be a robot. Ash attacks Ripley but is incapacitated by Parker and Lambert.

Escape Attempt

Parker and Lambert prepare a lifeboat while Ripley initiates the ship's self-destruct sequence. The alien kills Parker and Lambert. Ripley escapes on the lifeboat as the Nostromo is destroyed. However, the alien manages to board the lifeboat, leading to a final confrontation.

Alien: B-Movie to A-Film

This part of the article discusses the film 'Alien's' journey from an unknown independent film to a major success. It notes that the film premiered in Sweden on November 2, 1979, and was reviewed by film critic Nils Petter Sundgren, who described it as sometimes unpleasantly disturbing but also beautiful. The article highlights 'Alien's' unique qualities, contrasting it with many modern sci-fi and horror films that suffer from poor scripts and underdeveloped characters. 'Alien' is praised for its high quality, with the spaceship realistically depicted as dirty and worn, unlike the pristine vessels often seen in other films. A note from Acke S. points out that the 'realistic' depiction of a used transport ship is common in science fiction literature.

Filming the Alien

The filming of 'Alien' took place at Shepperton Film Studios outside London, with strict security to prevent unauthorized access and leaks of information. The film's success is attributed to its quality rather than extensive advertising. Many viewers consider 'Alien' to be in the same league as classic horror films like those by Hitchcock, rather than action-oriented sci-fi like 'Star Wars.' The element of surprise is highlighted as a key factor.

Dan O' Bannon's Account

Dan O' Bannon, the writer and technical consultant, explains that he wrote the script for 'Alien' in about three months, with Ron Shusett contributing to the story. He mentions that he wrote the script quickly due to the collapse of the 'Dune' project and the need to secure his situation. He states that the film was a 'hasty effort' but effective.

H.R. Giger and Ridley Scott's Vision

The article quotes surrealist painter H.R. Giger, who designed 'Alien' and its environment, describing his work as 'machine-age eroticism.' Giger notes that some see his art as depicting a future world. He used internal organs and oyster parts in his creation of the monster. Director Ridley Scott explains that 'Alien' taps into primal fears of the unknown and the invisible enemy lurking in the darkness of space.

Critical Reception and Impact

The film 'Alien' was a global success, with special midnight screenings in Stockholm. Leif Furuhammar, a professor of film science at Stockholm University, compares watching a horror film to visiting the dentist, where the initial pain leads to a sense of relief. The article concludes with a brief summary of Ripley's survival and the fate of the Nostromo.

Komiskt Brus (Comic Interlude)

This section briefly mentions new releases: Alpha Pocket's third book in their series, 'This Is Reality' by Bertil Mårtensson, and the first two issues of the Star Trek comic series, with the third expected in November.

Closing Remarks

Jörgen Stenkvist wishes readers a cozy autumn filled with storms and dark evenings, perfect for enjoying a good book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards sensationalized claims (Sitchin), the exploration of the unknown through both scientific and unconventional means (Mobius group), and the power of fear and suspense in storytelling (Alien film). The editorial stance appears to be critical and analytical, questioning unsubstantiated claims while appreciating well-crafted narratives and scientific inquiry, even when unconventional. There's a clear interest in the intersection of science, the paranormal, and popular culture.

Title: KLIPPT & SKURET
Issue: 3/81
Date: October 16, 1981
Publisher: VG
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

UFO Sighting in Larvik

The main cover story reports on an alleged UFO sighting by eight children, aged five to eleven, in Helgeroa, near Larvik, Norway, on the evening of October 16, 1981. The children described seeing a bright light emanating from the sea, which they identified as a flying saucer. The light was so intense that it reportedly threw several of them to the ground, and one child's eyes turned white. After following the object, it disappeared behind trees in the direction of Stavern. Before it vanished, the children observed an object resembling a suitcase being dropped from the craft. They returned home frightened and hysterical, recounting their experience to Tor Gausdal. Gausdal had his daughter, Monica, draw what she saw, which depicted a light with windows. The children's account was then reported to the police in Larvik.

The police contacted the air traffic control tower at Fornebu and meteorologists. However, based on the information available to them, neither air traffic control nor meteorologists could identify the object as a conventional aircraft or ball lightning. The article notes that the children's reactions were so extreme that Gausdal himself was frightened.

Scientific Articles

Dinosaur Descendants

An article discusses the hypothesis of Canadian scientist Dale Russell, who heads the fossil vertebrate department at Canada's National Museum. Russell suggests that humans could have evolved from dinosaurs rather than apes, had a minor change in Earth's history allowed dinosaurs to remain the dominant species. He speculates that such a creature, which he calls a 'dinosaurid,' would have had green reptilian skin, a bulky head, luminous cat-like eyes, and three-fingered hands. Russell believes this evolutionary path was underway among dinosaurs approximately 78 million years ago.

Diamond Planets?

Marvin Ross, a scientist from California, proposes a theory that the planets Uranus and Neptune might possess a giant layer of diamond beneath their surfaces. His analysis, based on available data about these planets, suggests they are composed of three layers: a rocky core, a middle layer of frozen liquid water, ammonia, and methane, and an outer layer of hydrogen and helium. Ross believes the methane in the middle layer could have transformed into metallic carbon, or diamond. If true, Uranus and Neptune would represent the solar system's most valuable mineral deposits.

Ozone Layer Study

An American satellite was launched on September 15th to study the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere over a period of one year. The ozone layer, located at altitudes between 30 and 90 kilometers, is crucial for absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, making life on Earth possible. The article highlights that human activities, including the use of propellants in spray cans, have damaged the ozone layer, allowing more UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface, increasing the risk of cancer. The satellite's mission is to investigate how ozone is formed and distributed in the upper atmosphere, providing insights into human activities that deplete it.

Magnetic Water for Increased Yields

Since 1971, the Volga Institute for Irrigation Equipment and New Land Cultivation has been experimenting with passing water through a magnetic field to alter its physical properties and make it more 'biologically active.' Initial greenhouse trials between 1971 and 1976 showed significant increases in crop yields, up to 30% for cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, peas, and soybeans. More recent experiments at a collective farm using magnetized water for spring wheat irrigation have resulted in a 15% higher yield. The magnets used have a lifespan of 20 years, and the investment costs are reportedly recouped within two months. Studies indicate that plants irrigated with magnetized water show increased uptake of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The research is expanding to include the use of magnetized water for poultry to stimulate egg production.

Space Shuttle Fuel Tank

Despite the second test flight of the space shuttle 'Columbia' being weeks away, components for the third flight are already being prepared. The third external fuel tank has been transported from New Orleans to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This tank is light brown, unlike the previous ones which were painted white. The brown color comes from the insulation material itself, and by not painting it white, 272 kg are saved, which increases the shuttle's payload capacity. The external tank is jettisoned almost at satellite orbit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine features a mix of sensational reports (the UFO sighting) and informative articles on scientific advancements and theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and openness to unusual phenomena, as evidenced by the prominent placement of the UFO story. There is also a clear interest in space exploration, environmental science, and agricultural innovation, reflecting contemporary scientific and technological developments of the early 1980s.