Tellus - 1988 10 Jubileumsnummer

Magazine Overview

Title: TELLUS
Issue: 30-ÅRS JUBILEUM (30-Year Jubilee)
Date: October 1, 1988
Publisher: MALMÖ INTERPLANETARISKA SÄLLSKAP (MIS)
Type: Magazine

This issue of TELLUS marks the 30th anniversary of the Malmö Interplanetary Society (MIS). The editorial reflects on the society's journey, noting a shift in identity as older members age and new ones join, while acknowledging the unique atmosphere of its founding. The publication itself is described as appearing rarely and reluctantly, typically featuring articles from various newspapers related to the society's areas of interest.

Articles and Features

"Okänd materia bombar jorden" (Unknown Matter Bombs the Earth)

This article discusses a prediction by American astronomers that Earth will be bombarded by unknown matter with high energy from the binary star system Cygnus X-3 in the constellation Cygnus. This matter, dubbed 'cygnons', is believed to be a new type of cosmic particle radiation. Scientists are puzzled because if the particles were charged, they would follow magnetic field lines, and if they were neutral like neutrons, they would be too short-lived to travel such distances. The leading hypothesis is that this matter is composed of 'särkvarksmateria', a stable form of matter consisting of u-quarks, d-quarks, and s-quarks. The article references a 1972 outburst from Cygnus X-3 that generated muons, suggesting an unknown energy source.

"Trettio År I 'Twilight Zone'"

This personal reflection by a member traces the origins of MIS back to 1958, when the author was 14. The piece contrasts the mundane interests of typical teenagers with the extraordinary thoughts of the early MIS members, who were focused on 'real stars' and 'people from space'. The author highlights the unique mindset of these early members and the society's unusual name, which often led to questions about its origins. The article notes how the society's ideas have become more mainstream over time, partly due to popular culture like the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. It also touches upon the blend of historical and contemporary thinkers that influenced MIS, creating a unique cosmic perspective.

"En tillbakablick" (A Look Back)

This section, dated September 19, 1973, reflects on the early years of MIS, mentioning encounters with UFO contactees like Georg Adamsky and Sir Anthony Brooke. The author expresses a wish for a new 'awakening' within such societies to explore the interplanetary world further. It also notes that MIS has completed a 'Saturnusrunda' (approximately 28 years), suggesting a transition to a more mature phase. The article mentions upcoming events, including a jubilee celebration and a stargazing evening.

"MALMÖ: Närkontakt av tredje graden."

This report covers a film premiere of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' in Malmö, attended by 150 people from MIS. Ebbe Johansson, chairman of MIS, views the film as a catalyst for people to explore the universe, though he notes some technical liberties. Annalisa Bengtsson comments that the film might sway skeptics and that while the first part is factual, the latter part is too fantastical. The discussion after the film was mixed, with some finding the middle part disappointing but appreciating it more on rewatch, while others noted religious undertones in the film's conclusion.

"Fyra svenskar upplevde något kusligt i Lübeck: Vi gick för att ta en öl och hamnade i en spökkrog!"

This article recounts an experience of four Swedes in Lübeck in 1966. While looking for a place to have a beer, they entered a strange establishment that seemed to be located beneath a church. Inside, they found a room with tables and shelves of pewter mugs. The owner was behind a counter with sausages. They noticed a steep, narrow staircase leading down, which their male companions explored. The staircase reportedly went down three floors before collapsing. The author experienced sudden panic and did not go down the stairs. Later attempts to find this 'spooky tavern' in Lübeck were unsuccessful, with locals and tourist information having no knowledge of it. The author speculates about time anomalies or a passage to another dimension.

"Var det ett UFO han såg? - nu vill militären veta mer"

This article from Kvällsposten details a sighting by Lars G Ohlsson near Växjö. Ohlsson, a photographer, reported seeing a fast-moving, delta-shaped object with multiple white lights connected by light strings, emitting light puffs. He also observed a blinking light that he initially thought was an airplane. Ohlsson has provided a detailed report to the military authorities, who have expressed interest, noting that no military air traffic was reported in the area at the time. UFO-Sweden considers the observation significant, especially given a recent Viggen plane crash nearby.

"Andromeda myllrar av liv?"

This astronomical piece discusses the Andromeda galaxy (M31) and the planet Jupiter. It touches upon the idea that life might be common in the universe, questioning the scientific explanation for life's origin on Earth. The author suggests that consciousness might be a fundamental aspect of the universe. The article also mentions Jupiter's visibility and its opposition in October.

"Besökare från rymden? - En självklarhet!"

This article features Henry Svensson, a UFO researcher from Mariestad, who states that visitors from other worlds are a certainty. He has interviewed 200 witnesses in Scandinavia and tries to assess their credibility. Ebbe Johansson, chairman of MIS, clarifies that the society's scope extends beyond UFOs to a broader life philosophy, including topics like theosophy, spiritualism, and astrology. The article also mentions other speakers at the MIS 20th-anniversary event, including Gunnar Nylund discussing formology and Hans Granqvist and Carl-Gustav Lönn on meditation and spiritualism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of TELLUS revolve around the exploration of the unknown, whether it be in the vastness of space, the mysteries of UFOs, or the nature of consciousness and reality. The Malmö Interplanetary Society (MIS) is presented as a hub for individuals interested in these topics, fostering discussions that blend scientific inquiry with philosophical and spiritual perspectives. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and curious, encouraging members and readers to question conventional explanations and explore unconventional ideas. There is a clear emphasis on the possibility of extraterrestrial life and phenomena, and a belief that human consciousness is more than just a biological product.

This issue of Hemmets Journal, dated September 19, 1988, features a cover story detailing a startling encounter with three luminous objects on a lake in Sweden. The magazine also includes articles on psychological therapy using symbols, and recent astronomical findings about exoplanets.

UFO Encounters

The Öjesjön Incident (July 23, 1988)

The main cover story recounts an experience of four individuals—Gustav and Inger Eriksson, Signe Johansson, and Ingemar Hed—on Öjesjön lake. While boating on a calm, clear night, they observed three intensely bright, luminous objects that initially appeared on the horizon. When the motorboat stopped, the objects also stopped. As the boat moved, the objects followed at a distance of approximately 400 meters and 100 meters apart. The witnesses described the objects as having a dome-shaped upper part with intense light and a dark, diffuse underside, appearing as if covered in glowing threads. The objects followed the boat into a bay, where they hovered stationary for about half an hour, emitting light comparable to 200-watt lamps, though not blinding. The witnesses felt a mix of awe and fear, describing the experience as the "most eerie" they had ever had. They noted the objects' ability to mimic the boat's movements, indicating intelligent control rather than natural phenomena like satellites. The objects remained until dawn, appearing like "huge outdoor lamps." The experience left a deep impression, and the witnesses expressed a desire to understand what they had seen, feeling it provided evidence of something beyond the ordinary.

The Kestenga Encounter (January 7, 1980)

This article, originally from Hemmets Journal No. 6, 1986, details an incident in Kestenga, Soviet Karelia, from January 7, 1980. Two forest workers, Ari Sarvi (36) and Mauno Erkko (38), encountered a luminous object while setting wolf traps. The object, described as a "red pulsating cloud" surrounding a "solid core," descended to about four meters above the snow. A cylindrical appendage extended from its underside and drilled into the snow. The object was approximately seven meters in diameter, with the cylinder being one meter. A humanoid figure, about one meter tall with thin limbs and a wax-like face, emerged. The figure was described as wearing a dark green suit and boots, with a black, stubby tube around its neck. It was expressionless and appeared almost dead. The figure then fired a pulsating light beam that etched a red ring in the snow. Sarvi reacted by throwing his ski pole, which the figure interpreted as a hostile act. The figure then directed a short, pulsating light beam at Sarvi's chest, causing temporary blindness. The area was then enveloped in a red mist. Erkko carried the incapacitated Sarvi home. Sarvi experienced paralysis on his right side, hallucinations, and black urine, leading Doctor Olle Kossola to suspect radioactive exposure. The incident was investigated by astrophysicists Felix Zigel and Vladimir Azgazha. The witnesses had no prior knowledge of UFOs.

The Brunflo Sighting (March 17, 1986)

This report, from Hemmets Journal No. 31, 1986, describes a sighting by Karl Axelsson (53), his wife Elna, their neighbor Håkan Forslund, and Elna's mother Linnea in Brunflo, Jämtland. On the night of March 17, 1986, Karl Axelsson observed a strong, pulsating yellow-white light in the distance. Initially mistaking it for a powerful forest machine light, he soon realized its unusual nature due to its height and the late hour. Using binoculars, he identified it as a craft, approximately 150 meters long and 10 meters high, composed of about twenty square sections, each resembling a large window with a bright light. The craft hovered over Fårskinnsberget. Two smaller, disc-shaped "teacups" detached from the main craft and landed on the mountain. One then flew off towards Frösön. The main craft emitted a thick white smoke, obscuring it from view as a passenger plane passed overhead, then retracted the smoke. The craft then moved silently over the lake and landed on the mountain again. A light beam swept the landscape, illuminating houses and areas. The beam then struck Karl's car, causing the area outside to appear black and terrifying. Karl felt drawn into a tunnel of light. He ran home, deeply frightened. Later, the craft ascended and disappeared. Other witnesses in the area also reported seeing strange lights that night. UFO investigators noted that the military and civil aviation had no recorded activity in the area at that time.

Symboltherapy

This section discusses symboltherapy, a method used in psychotherapy, particularly by therapist Åke Högberg. The technique involves encouraging patients to access and describe "inner images" or "daydream visions" from their subconscious. These images, which can manifest as symbols, metaphors, or even drama, are seen as a way to resolve internal conflicts and neuroses that may be difficult to articulate through direct conversation. The article explains that the subconscious is generally positive and aims to help individuals. Patients are encouraged to engage with these symbols, such as a witch or a spider, and explore their meaning through association. The process is patient-driven, with the therapist guiding the exploration. The article highlights that inner images are more immediate and easier to work with than dreams, which can be distorted or rationalized before therapy. Examples include a woman confronting her fear of her ex-husband symbolized by a spider, and another woman navigating a landscape of stepping stones representing her journey through difficult emotions.

Astronomy and Exoplanets

This article reports on the discovery of new planets orbiting stars other than our sun. American and Canadian researchers have identified likely exoplanets by studying the subtle movements of stars caused by the gravitational pull of orbiting companions. By analyzing color shifts in starlight, scientists can infer a star's movement towards or away from Earth, indicating the presence of a massive, unseen object. The article mentions the discovery of a large planet around the star HD 114762, estimated to be 20 times the mass of Jupiter. It also cites research suggesting that up to half of stars in our galaxy may have companions, significantly increasing the probability of life in other solar systems. The article touches upon the challenges of detecting such planets and the ongoing debate about the prevalence of extraterrestrial life and civilizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of the unknown, whether it be unexplained aerial phenomena, the depths of the human psyche, or the vastness of space. The magazine presents witness testimonies and expert opinions on UFOs, suggesting a serious interest in these phenomena. The inclusion of symboltherapy indicates an interest in alternative psychological approaches. The astronomical discoveries reflect a broader curiosity about humanity's place in the universe. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and personal accounts without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations.

This issue of SDS magazine, dated April 7, 1988, titled "Indianer på missionsstigen" (Indians on the Mission Path), explores the intersection of Native American spirituality, cultural appropriation, and scientific inquiry. The cover features a striking image of Pueblo Native Americans performing a ritual dance, setting the tone for articles that delve into the complexities of indigenous traditions in the modern world.

"Indianer på missionsstigen" (Indians on the Mission Path)

This lead article, written by Niklas Törnlund, addresses the phenomenon of some Native American medicine men and women sharing their spiritual knowledge with the white society. While this trend is seen by some as a way to preserve and share their heritage, it has also led to concerns about commercial exploitation and the trivialization of sacred practices. The article highlights the reactions from within the Native American community, including an "Elders' Circle" statement warning against individuals who exploit spiritual needs and offer questionable teachings. The piece questions the legitimacy of these "rosa" (pink) shamans and the boundaries of cultural exchange versus commercialization.

Lynn Andrews: The "Trollkvinna's" Apprentice

Another article by Niklas Törnlund focuses on Lynn Andrews, a former Hollywood figure who became an author of spiritual thrillers in the vein of Carlos Castaneda. Andrews is described as having undergone a dramatic transformation, becoming a "medicine woman" under the tutelage of Agnes Whistling Elk. Her journey involves shedding her previous identity and embracing a challenging spiritual apprenticeship. The article notes that Andrews is blacklisted by the Lakota spiritual council for allegedly exploiting secret knowledge. Her books are presented as both practical guides for seekers and provocative fiction, with a particular emphasis on the "female aspect of the spiritual warrior."

Carlos Castaneda: In Search of the Sorcerer's Secrets

Niklas Törnlund also investigates the enigmatic author Carlos Castaneda, whose books on shamanism have achieved massive popularity and sales. Castaneda's background is shrouded in mystery, with him being a Peruvian-American who emigrated to the USA. The article details his purported apprenticeship with a Yaqui shaman named Juan Matus, and the subsequent eight books that describe their encounters and teachings. Castaneda's work is characterized by its exploration of "magic" and altered states of consciousness, often blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. Critics have questioned the authenticity of his narratives, suggesting he may have fabricated much of his material or attributed his own theories to a fictional teacher. Despite the controversy, Castaneda's writings are credited with popularizing concepts of indigenous mysticism and challenging conventional Western perceptions of reality.

Science and the Cosmos

The magazine also features articles on scientific topics:

HERA Reveals Quarks

This section reports on the construction of the HERA particle accelerator at the DESY research center in Hamburg. The project aims to investigate the structure of quarks, the fundamental building blocks of protons and neutrons, potentially revealing even smaller constituent units. The article details the scale of the HERA facility and the scientific goals of the experiment.

Cosmic Mass Grave Found in Leo?

This article discusses the discovery of a massive gravitational lens in the constellation Leo, possibly indicating a giant black hole. The phenomenon perfectly illustrates Einstein's theory of relativity and his prediction of gravitational lensing. The piece touches upon the ongoing mystery of gravity, its nature, and the search for gravitons and gravitational waves. It mentions the work of Professor Bertel Laurent and the ongoing efforts to detect gravitational waves, which require significant cosmic events like supernovae.

"Even the Sun Has Spots!"

This article addresses the increasing solar activity and its potential impact on Earth. American researchers predict that the upcoming solar maximum, expected in September 1989, will be record-breaking and could lead to disruptions in satellite orbits, radio communications, and even damage to computers. The article explores the connection between solar flares, geomagnetic storms, and their effects on technology. It also touches upon theories linking solar activity to climate change, including volcanic eruptions and colder periods, referencing the work of Jim Shirley and historical events like the "Little Ice Age."

Chinese Predict Cold

This section discusses ancient Chinese astronomical observations and their correlation with climate. The concept of "synod," where all planets align on one side of the sun, is presented as a factor influencing Earth's climate. Following a synod in 1982, Chinese weather experts predict a period of cold for thirty to fifty years, attributing it to changes in Earth's orbit and a resulting decrease in solar radiation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the tension between tradition and modernity, particularly concerning Native American cultures. There's a critical examination of how indigenous knowledge is perceived, shared, and potentially exploited in the contemporary world. The magazine also demonstrates an interest in cutting-edge scientific research, from particle physics to cosmology, highlighting the ongoing quest to understand the universe. The editorial stance appears to be one of informed curiosity, presenting complex topics from both cultural and scientific perspectives, while acknowledging controversies and ongoing debates.

This issue of 'Ur SDS' (dated 3/1-88) features a cover story titled 'Vintergatan leder till svart avgrund' (The Milky Way leads to a black abyss), exploring astronomical mysteries and theoretical physics. It also includes articles on the perception of time and parapsychological phenomena.

Vintergatan leder till svart avgrund

The main article discusses the Milky Way's rapid movement towards a vast, dark region in space, estimated to be between the Virgo and Hydra constellations. This region, appearing as a void, is a massive accumulation of dark matter, gas, and dust, with a radius of 300,000 to three million light-years and a mass exceeding a hundred thousand galaxy masses. The distance to this region is approximately 300 million light-years.

The article explores the theory that this phenomenon might be explained by a ring or loop of 'cosmic strings'. These strings are hypothetical relics from the Big Bang, possessing immense gravitational power. They are theorized to be responsible for the large-scale structure of the universe, such as the alignment of galaxies and galaxy clusters. The discovery of our own galaxy, the Milky Way, being part of a galaxy chain a billion light-years long is mentioned. Cosmic strings are also proposed to act as gravitational lenses, creating double images of distant objects like quasars.

The specific area between Virgo and Hydra is highlighted as a potential location for such a cosmic string ring, explaining why dark matter, gas, and dust have accumulated there without forming galaxies. The article touches upon the difficulty of reconciling Einstein's general relativity with quantum mechanics, and how 'string theory' offers a potential solution by describing fundamental particles as vibrating strings.

Supersträngteorin (Superstring Theory)

This section delves into superstring theory, a more advanced version of string theory, which aims to unify all fundamental forces of nature. Professor Lars Brink from Chalmers University is mentioned as a pioneer in this field. A key aspect of superstring theory is the requirement of ten dimensions for the universe: three spatial, one temporal, and six additional spatial dimensions that are curled up and imperceptible at our scale. These curled dimensions are thought to be the origin of fundamental particles.

Big Bang inspirerar

The article briefly discusses the Big Bang theory as a widely accepted explanation for the universe's origin. It mentions the cosmic background radiation as evidence for the universe's hot early state, approximately 15-18 billion years ago. This radiation, stretched by the universe's expansion, now appears in the microwave spectrum and serves as a cosmic speedometer, indicating our galaxy's high speed towards an unknown destination.

Tiden står still (Time Stands Still) by Torsten Bussenius

This philosophical essay questions the nature of time. The author posits that our experience of time is primarily based on memories and that the 'present moment' as a distinct entity is elusive. He draws parallels with ancient Greek perceptions of time, where the future was often viewed as a past event. The essay suggests that all our experiences, including 'news', are already in the past by the time we perceive them. The author argues that the mind constructs reality from past experiences and that true 'now' is timeless. The essay concludes by relating this concept to the anniversary of MIS (presumably an organization), suggesting that the celebration is not just a look at the past but a present experience of its history.

Universum trollades fram (The Universe Was Conjured Up) by Allan Rydén

This article, illustrated with a picture of Albert Einstein, explores the concept of 'vacuum' in theoretical physics. Sverker Fredriksson is cited for his work on the nature of vacuum. The article explains that according to Einstein's theory of relativity, matter warps spacetime. It introduces the idea that the universe could have eleven dimensions, with seven hidden dimensions. The concept of energy and matter being interchangeable (E=mc²) is discussed, leading to the idea that 'energy + vacuum yields matter + antimatter'.

The article then introduces antimatter, as theorized by Paul Dirac, which has negative energy. It explains that the universe's tendency to seek the lowest energy state means antimatter should have 'fallen' into these states. However, it's proposed that an invisible 'osynlig materia' (invisible matter) occupies these negative energy states, preventing visible matter from disappearing. The concept of 'falska vakuum' (false vacuums) is mentioned, where vacuum can help particles gain mass.

The article connects these ideas to the creation of the universe, suggesting that the universe began as an explosion from 'nothing' and that the initial rapid expansion violated relativity. It proposes that the universe was initially empty, and then matter and antimatter were created from a false vacuum, which later transformed into the galaxies, stars, and planets we see today. The author concludes with a playful analogy: 'The universe was conjured up like a rabbit from a hat filled with a false vacuum containing energy. Simple, right? Abracadabra!'

I Lis radio pratar de döda (On Lis Radio, the Dead Speak) by Boel Gerell

This article reports on Lis Wernerot, a radio host who claims to communicate with the deceased. She describes hearing voices, initially faint and later clearer, on her radio, identifying themselves as spirits from another dimension. Wernerot has received calls from over a thousand people in Sweden who have also experienced similar phenomena, some capturing the voices on tape or through microphones.

Wernerot's first contact with the deceased occurred in 1966, when she heard a voice describing a house that she later bought. She was guided by Friedrich Jürgensen, an author, on how to tune her radio to receive these transmissions. She eventually set up a studio in Västra Vemmenhög, where the voices are reportedly clearer, possibly due to the proximity of the sea.

She often hears two voices, a man and a woman, who seem to be broadcasting from a studio. Wernerot also claims to have communicated with recently deceased individuals, relaying messages. She describes an incident where she heard a voice say, "It's Stefan. Say hello in the letter!" which was later confirmed by the recipient of the letter.

Experts like parapsychologist Örjan Björkhem and Friedrich Jürgensen have listened to Wernerot's recordings, with Björkhem stating that they are among the best examples of such phenomena he has heard, though he notes the difficulty of verification without direct control over the recording process.

Wernerot's transmissions typically occur on Wednesday evenings, around 8 PM, when it gets dark. She believes the deceased are eager to communicate. She also mentions her niece, Berit, acting as a link to the other deceased. A striking anecdote recounts Wernerot seeing her deceased brother-in-law in her doorway at 3:50 AM on Christmas morning, a detail later confirmed to be the exact time of his death.

Wernerot plans to film the deceased using a video camera, but faces financial challenges in acquiring the necessary equipment. She notes that Sweden has a high level of interest in parapsychological phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue explores the frontiers of scientific understanding, from the vastness of the cosmos and the nature of dark matter to the subatomic world of superstrings. It juxtaposes these scientific inquiries with philosophical reflections on time and the more esoteric realm of parapsychology and communication with the deceased. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting complex theories and unusual claims without outright dismissal, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding. The articles on cosmic strings and superstring theory reflect a fascination with the fundamental nature of reality, while the piece on Lis Wernerot highlights an interest in unexplained phenomena and the human desire to connect with the unknown, even the afterlife.