Svsvaren - 1986 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: SVÄVAREN
Issue: NO. 2/86
Publisher: UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGAS FÖRENINGSORGAN
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SVÄVAREN, the official publication of the UFO-Center Karlskoga, focuses heavily on a widespread UFO phenomenon, particularly a 'V-shaped UFO wave' that affected the Eastern United States. The magazine acknowledges its own delay in publication, attributing it partly to unexpected events, including the passing of Dr. Allen Hynek, a prominent UFO researcher.

Editorial: The Torchbearers of UFO Research

The editorial section laments the passing of Dr. Allen Hynek and questions who will carry on the torch of UFO research. It criticizes the tendency for some to dismiss unexplained aerial phenomena as mere misidentifications of Venus or optical illusions. The editors draw a parallel between UFO research and other scientific fields, citing an example of a renowned English researcher whose work on P-pills was revealed to be a bluff, leading to widespread deception regarding women's health. This serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to critically evaluate claims, especially those made by established scientists who might dismiss UFO sightings.

The editorial also addresses the current state of the UFO-Center Karlskoga, describing it as not being a very active organization at the moment. It notes a decline in activity when key members become unavailable due to demanding work or other commitments, and expresses uncertainty about finding a solution to this lull. Despite these challenges, the magazine pledges to continue publishing SVÄVAREN as long as possible, acknowledging that delays may occur.

Article: V-FORMAT UFO - 1000s OF WITNESSES

This extensive article, authored by R. Perry Collins, details a significant UFO wave that swept across parts of the Eastern USA from March 1983 to November 1985. The phenomenon was concentrated in New York and Connecticut and involved UFOs reported as being larger than a football field, often described as a large 'wing' or 'boomerang' shape emitting lights that flashed and changed patterns. The sightings occurred at low altitudes over populated areas, and were sometimes accompanied by reports of aircraft in formation and interest from FBI agents. The article notes that mainstream media coverage was minimal, with local newspapers and independent radio/TV stations being the primary sources of information.

Key Reports and Observations:

• March 1983: The wave began with reports from Kent, N.Y., and along Highway 1-84 of a large, dark, metallic object with shining lights, often in a V or boomerang shape.
• March 24, 1983: Residents and police officers in Yorktown, Mt. Kisco, and Carmel, N.Y., reported a large V-shaped object with multi-colored lights moving low over their cities.
• April 1983: The object was sighted over Danbury, Connecticut.
• March 1983 - Nov 1985: Over 80 articles appeared in local newspapers detailing these sightings.
• October 18, 1985: An article in the Bridgeport Post and Danbury News Times described a large, low-flying object seen by approximately 2,000 witnesses, featuring V-shaped lights that changed from white to red to green.

Aircraft Activity:

Within a month of the initial UFO reports, groups of aircraft flying in formation with irregular lights began appearing in the same areas. While initially dismissed by authorities as 'hang gliders' or 'ultralight aircraft,' these explanations were deemed insufficient due to the number of lights observed on the UFOs. Witnesses consistently distinguished between the UFOs and the aircraft, noting the UFOs were significantly larger and exhibited different flight characteristics.

Investigations by Imbrogno and Lesnick:

Phil Imbrogno, an astronomer and CUFOS researcher, and George Lesnick, a lieutenant in the Fairfield Police Department, conducted thorough investigations. Their work involved interviewing witnesses and compiling information. They concluded that the objects were unidentified, possessed characteristics beyond current technology, and had been observed at low altitudes over Connecticut and New York since 1983. They ruled out conventional aircraft as an explanation.

Personal Testimony (R. Perry Collins):

The author, R. Perry Collins, shares his personal experience of witnessing the phenomenon on the night of August 21, 1983. He describes seeing three large, distinct lights (red, green, blue) moving slowly and silently at low altitude, which then disappeared and reappeared closer. He felt a strong intuition to move to a different window, where he observed a large, wing-shaped formation of lights moving slowly and silently eastward. He estimated the object to be enormous and flying very low.

The 'Wave' in Detail:

The article emphasizes the prolonged and intense nature of this UFO wave. The objects performed 'impossible' maneuvers, seemed to deliberately draw attention with their light patterns, and did not land or exhibit typical aircraft behavior. The author suggests this behavior, while unusual, did not pose an immediate threat to society.

Observations near Military Bases:

The article notes that UFO phenomena have been known for decades, but in the last decade, public awareness has increased regarding UFO incidents near military bases. It mentions cases where ICBM installations have been visited by UFOs, and missiles fired at them have either failed or been destroyed. The author posits that these encounters are not acts of invasion but rather 'demonstrations' that offer a mirror to our own reactions and actions.

Typical Observations:

Several witness accounts are detailed, including:

• Carole B. (Housewife): Described a large, triangular object moving slowly and silently, making a 90-degree turn, with red, white, and green lights.
• Paul V. (Business Owner): Witnessed two large red lights and a smaller green light, initially mistaking it for a power line tower, but later realizing it was a large, dark, metallic object that hovered and then moved west.
• Judy F. (Teacher): Saw several unusual lights in a row, which seemed to follow her car, later forming a 'V' shape and disappearing.
• Mark N. (Teacher): Observed a bright V-shaped object moving slowly north, then straightening to a line.
• Lisa S. (Journalist): Witnessed a large object with moving lights that changed direction and color, hovering in place before disappearing.

Police and Official Reactions:

Police officers who reported UFO sightings often faced attempts to censor their accounts, being told to refer to them as 'aviation activity.' Federal agents reportedly visited police chiefs to 'put a lid' on the information. Despite official denials, witnesses from various professions (directors, engineers, pilots, doctors, lawyers) maintain that what they saw were not aircraft.

UFOs Over Nuclear Power Plants:

The article highlights two specific cases involving UFO activity near nuclear power plants, which it claims demonstrate the authorities' attempts to conceal and explain away such events. In one instance, a V-shaped UFO reportedly hovered near the Indian Point nuclear power plant in July 1984, prompting security personnel to arm themselves. Despite numerous witnesses, the plant's management denied the incident, claiming that surveillance cameras were not 'loaded' that evening. Lt. Lesnick, a seasoned police officer, found this explanation difficult to accept.

20-Month UFO Wave:

In October 1984, Lesnick, Imbrogno, and Dr. Allen Hynek were interviewed by Lee Spiegal on NCB-radio about the 20-month UFO activity over the USA. Following this, new witnesses came forward, including a security officer from a nuclear power plant who reported a large UFO incident. This officer, along with five other guards, recounted how a V-shaped UFO with two rows of sharp, shining lights slowly descended to within 100 meters of the plant. The guards were unsure how to react, and after approximately 15 minutes, the object slowly moved away and then accelerated rapidly northwest. Investigators attempted to follow up with other witnesses and plant personnel but were reportedly obstructed, with camera tapes claimed to be unavailable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenges faced by UFO researchers in gathering and disseminating information, and the perceived attempts by authorities to conceal or discredit UFO sightings. The magazine adopts a stance of advocating for open investigation and critical thinking, urging readers not to blindly accept official explanations and to be aware of potential cover-ups. The editorial emphasizes the importance of continuing UFO research until these phenomena are fully understood. The issue also touches upon the SETI project and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, as well as the intriguing concept of 'psychic links' between UFOs and witnesses.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, identified as Volume 12, Issue 12, with a raw date of "1986:35" and likely published in January 1986, focuses on UFO phenomena and the space program. The cover headline, "FLY GPLANSTRANSFORMATIONERNA" (Flight Plane Transformations), suggests a discussion of aerial phenomena. The magazine is published by NV Teknik in Sweden and is in Swedish.

UFO Sightings and Cover-Ups

The article "FLY GPLANSTRANSFORMATIONERNA" details an incident where a large ring of slowly moving lights appeared over Bridgeport, Connecticut, after a TV program discussing UFOs. The author, who witnessed the event, questions why power plant management would take extreme measures to hide such facts, suggesting a fear of public reaction to UFO phenomena, possibly related to strategic nuclear facilities. The incident is linked to a UFO wave that began in February 1985.

Jim Montavalli, editor of the Fairfield Advocate, showed interest in the UFO reports and published an enthusiastic article. Montavalli arranged a TV interview with investigators George Lesnick and Phil Imbrogno. Immediately after the show, a large ring of lights was observed moving slowly over Bridgeport, then towards New Haven and central Connecticut, witnessed by thousands. The author personally observed this event while driving.

Another section discusses "PANIK BLAND POTENTATERNA MÄNNISKAN HJÄLPLÖS" (Panic Among Potentates - Humanity Helpless). It posits that UFOs possess technology far superior to Earth's, capable of disabling missiles and advanced aircraft. The author speculates on the reasons for UFOs not interfering with human society, suggesting it might be due to humanity's potential for self-destruction or a future unified world exploring space. The article criticizes the general public's lack of understanding or avoidance of the UFO topic, with scientists often dismissing it as a "maskburk" (mask box) of contradictions, media treating it with skepticism, and authorities denying or explaining away sightings.

The article "VAPENRUSTNINGAR OCH VAPENKONTROLLER" (Armaments and Arms Control) draws a parallel between believing in arms control and believing in UFOs, asserting that UFOs represent a reality independent of belief. It suggests that the fear of the unknown might be a driving force behind the arms race. The author believes UFOs are real and their existence is too evident to deny, potentially influencing military technology development. The article also touches upon the idea that humanity's aggressive nature might deter alien intervention.

"EN 'OBESKRIVLIG' VERKLIGHET?" (An 'Indescribable' Reality?) discusses how humanity's perception of reality is rapidly evolving, and that the absolute reality of our existence remains a mystery. It suggests that UFOs, like science and religion, point towards an indescribable reality.

Under "FLERA TYPER AV FRÄMLINGAR" (Several Types of Strangers), the magazine notes that UFOs are detected not only by witnesses but also by technological sensors like radar. It suggests the presence of multiple groups or civilizations of visitors. The article mentions that UFO appearances often occur near military installations, sometimes demonstrating the ability to disable systems or evade defenses. These events are increasingly becoming public knowledge.

Space Shuttle Program Coverage

The issue dedicates significant space to NASA's Space Shuttle program, particularly focusing on the Columbia and Challenger missions.

Mission 61-C (Columbia)

An article titled "TAKING THE STRAIN!!!!!" details the mission of Space Shuttle Columbia, mission 61-C, which launched on January 12, 1986, after numerous delays. The delays were caused by a fault in one of the main engines, low temperatures in the engine intake, and disagreements between NASA and RCA regarding the orbit of the SatCom KU-1 satellite. The crew, commanded by Robert Gibson, endured long waits. The mission involved scientific experiments, including those for the Materials Processing Laboratory (MSL). The article notes the removal of catapult seats and the addition of a Head Up Display for pilots. The landing occurred on January 18, 1986, at Edwards Air Force Base, California, a night landing, which the commander described as an incredible experience.

The Challenger Disaster (Flight 51-L)

A poignant section titled "IN-MEMORIUM" commemorates the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. On January 28, 1986, at 11:39 AM, the Challenger exploded shortly after launch, resulting in the tragic loss of all seven astronauts. The article describes the event as a "terrible orange fireball" against a blue sky. It quotes Chuck Yeager, a renowned test pilot, emphasizing the importance of pushing boundaries. The disaster is framed not as a setback for NASA, but as a catalyst for improvement, with plans for a fifth shuttle already underway. The article includes a quote from President Ronald Reagan: "THE CHALLENGER CREW WAS PULLING US INTO THE FUTURE."

Shuttle Mission Log

Two pages (18 and 20) provide a comprehensive log of Space Shuttle missions from STS-1 (Columbia, April 1981) to STS-51-L (Challenger, January 1986). This log details the shuttle used, launch and landing dates, crew members, mission objectives, and notable events for each flight. Missions include Spacelab deployments, satellite launches and retrievals, and military payloads. The log highlights the first night landing (STS-3), the first spacewalk (STS-6), the first flight of a female astronaut (Sally Ride on STS-7), and the retrieval and repair of the Solar Max satellite (STS-41-C).

Japanese Space Technology

An article titled "Japanskt kliv ut i rymden" (Japan's Leap into Space) reports on Japan's advancements in space technology. In August 1985, Japan successfully launched its H-1 rocket, capable of lifting a 500 kg satellite payload. The H-1 rocket features Japanese-designed second and third stages, with the first stage based on McDonnell Douglas technology. Japan is also developing the H-2 rocket, intended to launch satellites weighing over two tons from 1992. The article mentions potential commercial collaboration between Japan and McDonnell Douglas. Japan has its own satellite program and plans for a future uncrewed mission to the Moon's far side, as well as a research satellite for X-ray and gamma-ray measurements. The Japanese space program also includes the development of the "Jem" laboratory module for NASA's space station, designed for experiments in microgravity. Since 1970, Japan has launched 31 satellites, with technology previously being largely American-licensed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) with technological advancements, particularly in the military and space sectors. There's a recurring theme of potential government cover-ups and the public's struggle to accept or understand the reality of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and investigative findings while also acknowledging the official narratives and technological achievements of space agencies like NASA. The Challenger disaster is treated with solemn respect, highlighting the risks inherent in space exploration and the human drive to push boundaries. The magazine seems to advocate for a more open and less fearful approach to the unknown, both in terms of extraterrestrial contact and the vastness of space.

Title: Vetenskap
Issue: No. 2, Volume 31
Date: 1986
Publisher: UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA

This issue of 'Vetenskap' delves into advancements in space technology and encounters with unidentified flying objects (UFOs), featuring articles on Japanese space shuttle development, military UFO incidents, and the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).

Japan's Little Space Shuttle

The lead article, "Japan bygger egen liten rymdskyttel" (Japan Builds Its Own Small Space Shuttle), details Japan's efforts to develop a reusable spacecraft. The Japanese Institute of Space and Astronautical Science is working on HI-MES (Highly Maneuverable Experimental Vehicle), a wing-equipped craft intended for suborbital flights with scientific equipment. Unlike larger space shuttles, HI-MES will not orbit Earth but will perform short flights to test reusable space vehicle technology. It is designed to carry approximately 500 kg to an altitude of 300 km. The shuttle will be about 14 meters long with a wingspan of just over 9 meters and a dry weight of 3 tons, with a launch weight of around 14 tons. Typical missions will last 15-20 minutes. The article notes that Japan is following the lead of the Soviet Union, France, and Great Britain in space exploration and is using its own technology for this project.

UFO Encounters and Dogfights

The "Debatt" section features several accounts of military encounters with UFOs:

Dogfighting

An editorial piece titled "DOGFIGHTING" highlights numerous cases where fighter jets have confronted UFOs, emphasizing that these are not mere hallucinations but real phenomena. It mentions specific cases from Iran and Japan, including a tragic incident where a pilot was killed.

Natlig Jakt på Venus (Night Hunt on Venus)

On September 24, 1959, in Redmond, Oregon, USA, police officer Robert Dickersson observed a glowing UFO near a airfield. Military aircraft, including F-102s and a B-47, were scrambled. Radar tracked the UFO and the planes. The UFO reportedly accelerated rapidly and engaged the aircraft. One plane experienced turbulence, and the UFO performed high-speed maneuvers. The official explanation given was a weather balloon, later changed to the planet Venus.

Ufolarm över Japan (UFO Alarm over Japan)

On the night of June 9, 1974, Lieutenant Colonel Akira Hirano of the Japanese Air Force revealed that an F-4 Phantom jet was scrambled to intercept a suspected Soviet bomber. However, the pilots, Lieutenant Colonel Toshio Nakamura and Major Shiro Kubota, encountered an unknown, bright, disc-shaped object. The object, described as about 10 meters in diameter with square markings, engaged the F-4 in an aggressive manner. The UFO made rapid attacks, forcing the F-4 into a steep dive. The article describes a role reversal where the jet became the hunted. During the encounter, a loud bang was heard, and the pilots ejected. The F-4 crashed. The official report stated the F-4EJ (serial number 17-8307) crashed after a collision with an unknown object.

Flera Japanska Fall (More Japanese Cases)

On April 11, 1975, four F-104J Starfighter jets were reportedly approached by four disc-shaped UFOs that mimicked their maneuvers at an altitude of 7800 meters. Japanese TV reported the UFOs might have been hostile. On December 1, 1976, a cargo plane was tracked by UFOs for nearly 17 minutes while landing near Yokota, Japan.

UFO över Teheran (UFO over Tehran)

A report details an incident on September 19, 1976, near Tehran, Iran. Residents reported strange objects in the sky. An F-4 Phantom was dispatched. As the jet approached the object, its instruments and radio failed. The object, described as a bright, rectangular figure with alternating blue-green, red, and orange lights, maintained a distance of 46 km. A second, smaller object emerged from the first and headed towards the F-4. The jet's weapon control panel and radio failed again. The pilot performed a negative-G dive to evade. The second object then appeared to fall like a leaf at about 8 km/h. A third object emerged from the first and descended rapidly. The first object then enveloped the second. The third object landed softly, casting a bright light. The F-4 pilot aborted the pursuit and returned to base, with instruments functioning normally upon leaving the area. The next day, the crew flew out to the landing site but found no physical traces, only detecting a beeping sound.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

Sökandet i Kosmos (The Search in the Cosmos)

This section features an interview with Professor Archibald Roy from the Department of Astronomy at Glasgow University, discussing the SETI project. Professor Roy believes that contact with extraterrestrial intelligence could happen relatively quickly, possibly within a 10-year period after the SETI program begins in earnest in 1986. He posits that humanity is likely a "mediocre form of galactic life" and that many civilizations exist in the cosmos. He suggests that Earth might be in "quarantine" while awaiting humanity's development. The article also mentions the views of biologist Lewis Thomas, who warned of a potential "shock" and feeling of inferiority if humanity encounters a superior civilization, possibly leading to dependence on alien technology.

Professor Roy also addresses the possibility of past alien visitation, stating it's possible but lacks concrete evidence. He discusses the idea of sending probes to other star systems to intercept signals directed at probes from their home planets. He notes that current radio telescopes are sufficient for this task. The article touches upon the skepticism within scientific circles regarding UFOs, but highlights that many scientists believe UFOs are interplanetary craft.

Further Perspectives on SETI and UFOs

Critics like Nigel Calder suggest that if intelligent extraterrestrial beings exist, they are likely nearby and could have colonized our galaxy within a short period, potentially having already visited our solar system. Tom Kuiper and Mark Morris propose that alien civilizations might be waiting for humanity to reach a higher level of knowledge before making contact, viewing Earth as a nature reserve. They suggest listening for signals sent to probes from their home planets.

Professor Roy reiterates that while there's no definitive proof of contact, the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. He acknowledges that some reports suggest alien technology might be behind UFOs, but emphasizes the need for concrete proof. He believes that if humans are a product of natural evolution, it's highly improbable they are alone in the universe.

The article details the SETI project, which aims to use large telescopes to observe nearby stars and analyze planetary light for chemical compositions. Sophisticated orbiting radio receivers will be programmed to search for signals. Professor Frank Drake is mentioned as a proponent of SETI, suggesting the need for larger and better receivers to conduct billions of scans across various frequencies.

German Space Shuttle Proposal

"Och nu kommer tyska färjan" (And Now Comes the German Shuttle) describes a proposal for a European space shuttle, the 'Saenger,' which is a two-stage system. A mothercraft would fly to 30,000 meters at Mach 6.0, carrying a smaller shuttle that would then fly to space. The mothercraft and shuttle would return to Earth. This design shares advantages with the British Hotol project, allowing for runway takeoffs, but avoids the complexity of a ramjet engine, which is considered problematic. The German version proposes jet engines for the mothercraft using atmospheric air, while the small shuttle would carry its own oxygen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of scientific advancement, particularly in space technology, and the unexplained phenomena of UFOs. There's a clear interest in presenting evidence and theories related to potential extraterrestrial contact and visitation. The editorial stance appears to be open to these possibilities, featuring interviews with scientists who entertain such ideas and reporting on military encounters with UFOs. The publication encourages reader contributions and subscriptions, indicating a dedicated readership interested in these topics.