Tid och rum - 1964 No 12

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'Tid och Rum' (Time and Space), number 12, dated June 1964, presents a collection of articles and reports centered around UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial encounters, and related scientific and speculative topics. The cover features a striking image of a planet or moon, a flying saucer, and a mountainous landscape, setting a tone of cosmic mystery.

Editorial and General Commentary

The editorial, written by Eric Nordquist, welcomes the summer and urges readers to reflect on the universe and humanity's place within it. It touches upon the increasing number of UFO reports globally and the diminishing 'official' explanations. Nordquist posits that the truth about these craft and their occupants cannot be suppressed indefinitely and questions humanity's readiness for potential contact, highlighting ethical, moral, and religious implications. He criticizes humanity's self-centeredness and the state of the world, suggesting that external intervention might be needed for humanity to recognize its responsibilities.

Analysis of UFO History by Jacques Vallee

• A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an excerpt from an article by Jacques Vallee, published in 'Flying Saucer Review'. Vallee analyzes the history of the UFO phenomenon, dividing it into distinct phases:
• 1947-1950: Sightings of objects at high altitudes, often supported by radar confirmations.
• 1950: A major wave of sightings in the USA, with a peak in Spain and North Africa.
• 1952: A second American wave, coinciding with an increase in France, leading to controversies among officials and scientists.
• 1954: The peak of the phenomenon, particularly in France, with many sightings of objects at moderate to low altitudes, or even on the ground.

After 1954, Vallee notes a pattern of alternating years, with a notable peak in October-November 1957. He observes a subsequent decrease in activity and fewer ground-level sightings.

Catalog of UFO Encounters and Beings

The magazine provides an extensive list of UFO sightings and encounters, primarily from the 1950s, detailing the date, location, and descriptions of the phenomena and any associated beings. These descriptions are varied and often peculiar:

• 1909-1955: A chronological list details numerous sightings across Europe (especially France), North Africa, Norway, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, and the USA. The beings described range from "two beings in diving suits" and "men in metal suits" to "red monsters," "masked figures," "human-like beings with luminous limbs," "aluminum men," "hairless dwarfs," and "martians." Many are described as wearing "diving suits" or similar protective gear, a characteristic Vallee finds noteworthy.
• 1957-1960: Further entries continue this catalog, including sightings of "krigiska dvärgar" (war-like dwarfs), "phantoms in plate," "men in asbestos suits," and a "giant monster."
• Specific Incidents: Notable entries include:
• Two beings speaking a foreign language in Caerphilly, England (1909).
• A 3-meter tall red monster emitting fire in Flatwood, England (1952).
• Two human-like beings with luminous, cold limbs in Brovst, Germany (1953).
• Two small beings (1.20m) in silver clothing making pig-like grunts in Lugrin, France (1954).
• A hairless "martian" (1.20m) touching a witness's arm in Loctudy, France (1954).
• A 1.20m tall individual in grey, holding a glowing globe in France (1954).
• Two small beings in "diving suits" in Italy (1955).
• A 1.13m tall being with large yellow eyes and a green body in France (1957).
• A 2-3 foot tall individual with a green hat and prominent nose in USA (1957).
• A "giant monster" in Argentina (1960).

California Residents See Mysterious Lights

This section reports on a sighting in Larchwood, California, on July 16, 1963, where multiple witnesses, including E.C. Buzzel and his neighbors, observed approximately eight "round discs" flying in ellipses without sound. The objects were described as resembling the moon and moved in circles at high speed. While initially thought to be searchlights, the lack of visible beams and their independent movement led witnesses to believe they were something more unusual. Arthur Washburn described them as "eight or so searchlights shining down from above, but without any beams." The report notes that the objects could not have been airplanes.

Doctors Link Birth Defects to Radioactive Rain

An article from the 'National Observer' (July 29, 1963) discusses a hypothesis by Dr. L. Jle Vann, chief physician at a school for developmentally disabled children in Alberta, Canada. Dr. Vann suggests that the near doubling of birth defects in newborns in Alberta between 1959 and 1961, coinciding with increased atmospheric nuclear testing, was caused by radioactive rain. His report, published in the 'Canadian Medical Associations Journal,' noted a 30% higher rate in northern Alberta compared to the south. He speculated that the rate in 1962, when testing was even more intense, might have been higher, though official figures were not yet available.

Is There Life on Earth?

This section references a photo from NASA's Tiros IV weather satellite, which showed North America without any signs of advanced civilization. The article questions whether extraterrestrials observing Earth might conclude it is lifeless, as even aerial photographs can be obscured by weather. It suggests that superior alien technology might detect civilization through detailed observation of Earth from spacecraft or by recognizing radio waves as intelligent signals.

Life Begins on Venus

Soviet scientists have announced the possibility of Venus being inhabited by beings similar to humans, a discovery that could significantly impact space programs. Moscow Radio reported that analysis of Venus's atmosphere revealed oxygen, suggesting conditions suitable for life. The atmospheric conditions are believed to be similar to Earth's. This finding may lead both the USA and Russia to shift their focus from colonizing dead celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars to intensifying efforts to understand potentially inhabited planets.

Fewer Ridicule Cases

Frank Edwars, host of the radio program "Strangest of All," reports a noticeable decrease in ridicule directed at the UFO subject during his lectures. He states that the public's interest in UFOs has become more serious, aligning with reports from NICAP indicating a widespread increase in serious attention to the UFO problem.

An Unexpected Answer

A letter from the Ministry of Aviation to R. Wilson addresses a report of a "silver-shining object" traveling at high speed on November 13, 1963. The Ministry states that due to the time elapsed, it's impossible to verify the sighting with on-duty personnel. They also mention that air traffic control systems can sometimes produce echoes that might be misinterpreted. The responding officer, however, adds a personal note expressing belief in "intruders in the air."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, descriptions of alien beings, and the scientific and speculative implications of these phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance of serious inquiry into the UFO subject, presenting detailed reports and analyses, while also exploring broader scientific questions like the possibility of life on other planets and the impact of human activities (like nuclear testing) on Earth. There's a clear editorial leaning towards acknowledging the reality of UFOs and the potential for extraterrestrial contact, encouraging readers to consider the profound implications.

This issue of TOR, identified by page numbers ranging from 248 to 257, appears to be a Swedish publication focused on UFO phenomena and related topics. The content is primarily in Swedish, with some articles referencing international sources and translations. The magazine functions as a platform for sharing information, theories, and eyewitness accounts related to unidentified flying objects and potential extraterrestrial contact.

Organization and Contact Information

The issue begins by listing various Swedish UFO groups and their contact persons, including:

• GKS (Gotlands Kosmologiska Studiegrupp) in Visby, with contact Walter Karlsson.
• HIS (Halmstads Ifologiska Sällskap) with contact Johan Eng-ström.
• IS (Ifologiska Sällskapet) in Stockholm, with contacts K E Nordquist and Brage Jansson.
• KIF (Krylbo Ifologiska Förening) in Krylbo, with contact Bo Göran Carlsson.
• LIO (Linköpings Ifologiska Organisation) in Linköping, with contact Sven Andersson.
• MIS (Malmö Interplanetariska Sällskap) in Malmö, with contact Alve Holmqvist.
• US (Ufologiska Sällskapet) in Uppsala, with contact K H Svensson.

It also mentions the magazine 'GALAX' and recommends its articles on 'death rays' and 'contact with flying saucers'. The publication 'TID OCH RUM', the organ for Ifologiska Sällskapet in Stockholm, announces a summer break and plans to resume publication in August. Subscription information and editorial contact details are provided.

Key Articles and Reports

"My Discovery Will Prove Adamski's Claims"

Authored by Ing. Basil van der Berg from South Africa, this article discusses the author's personal discoveries over ten years, starting in 1953, related to George Adamski's book "Flygande tefat har landat" (Flying Saucers Have Landed). Van der Berg states that Adamski's work is the most important in the UFO field due to its courage in conveying the truth about UFO phenomena. He recounts how a strange object he observed during World War II bore a striking resemblance to a scout ship pictured in Adamski's book. This led him to investigate the symbols provided by a Venusian to Adamski, believing they held the key to understanding these phenomena. He claims to have deciphered these symbols, revealing detailed plans of spacecraft, including their propulsion systems and internal structures, which he intends to share with humanity alongside Adamski.

"Hostile Space Travelers"

This section, referencing an article by George Adamski in UFO-NYT (Jan/Feb 1964), reports that some Venusian spaceships have been attacked by hostile space travelers. However, the Venusian ships were able to repel the attackers using 'repulsion rays,' preventing any loss of life.

"Have You Seen This Man?"

This article, written by Dr. Sc. John R Atcherley, brother of Air Marshal Sir D Atcherley, seeks information about the disappearance of his brother. Sir David Atcherley, chief of RAF in the canal zone, took off from Cyprus in a Gloster Meteor jet on June 8, 1951, heading for Cairo, but never arrived. His plane was found undamaged in the Egyptian desert, but the Air Marshal was missing. Footprints were found leading from the plane into the sand, but no other tracks were visible. Some speculate he was abducted by a flying saucer.

"The Nightly Scare South of Älvsbyn Proves the Theory of Beings in Space?"

This article recounts an experience of Ernst Öhman, a 72-year-old man from Korsträsk, who witnessed a phenomenon on the night of June 30, 1908. He describes the sky becoming unnaturally bright, as if the heavens had opened, with a brilliant light and sparks moving across the sky for about 15 minutes. This event coincided with the mysterious Tunguska disaster in Siberia. Two Russian scientists, Valentina Tjuravleva and Genrich Altov, are cited as theorizing that the Tunguska event was not caused by a meteor but by an optical signal from intelligent beings on a planet in the constellation Cygnus. The article notes that no meteoritic material was found at the Tunguska site. The phenomenon observed by Öhman is interpreted by these scientists as a response signal to the Krakatoa volcanic eruption in 1883. Swedish astronomers, however, are skeptical of this theory, viewing it as an elaborate April Fool's joke.

"Optical Signal from Another Star System"

This article elaborates on the Russian theory regarding the Tunguska event. It states that Valentina Tjuravleva and Genrich Altov have "mathematically proven" that the 61st star in the constellation Cygnus is inhabited and has been sending optical signals towards the sun. The Krakatoa eruption was perceived as a communication attempt, to which the beings in Cygnus responded. The time lag between Krakatoa and the signal is calculated to be eleven years and eight months, consistent with the distance between the planets. The article also mentions that the energy required for such a signal is beyond current human capabilities. Lars Cullberg from the Stockholm Observatory expresses doubt about the signal reaching Cygnus and the physical laws supporting such a transmission. Another theory suggests the Tunguska event was caused by an atomic-powered giant spaceship from space.

"Diving for a Crashed UFO"

Authored by Coral Lorenzen, this article details an alleged UFO crash in the Rio Peropava river near Iguape, Brazil, on December 31, 1963. Dr. Olava Fontes, APRO's Brazilian representative, shared newspaper clippings with Lorenzen about a flying disc disappearing into the river. Eyewitnesses described a shiny, disc-shaped object moving at low altitude, which brushed against a palm tree before crashing into the river. The object was described as small (about 1 meter thick, 5 meters in diameter), resembling an 'aluminum tub,' and very bright. Divers attempted to recover the object but were hindered by the thick mud at the river bottom. Some witnesses believed the object was 'from another world.'

"Unidentified Flying Objects"

This section, referencing a report from Washington (AP), states that the US Air Force investigated over 8,000 flying objects over sixteen years and found no evidence that they posed a threat to US security or were extraterrestrial spacecraft under intelligent control. It notes that 8.7 percent of reported objects were identified. A recent case in New Mexico involved a police officer who found hot ground and landing marks after a sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a stance that is open to the possibility of extraterrestrial life and advanced technology, often citing eyewitness accounts and scientific speculation. While acknowledging skepticism, the articles tend to explore theories that support the existence of UFOs and alien intelligence. The editorial approach appears to be that of a debate platform, as indicated by the statement that articles do not necessarily reflect the editors' views. The recurring themes include historical UFO incidents, alleged alien contact, scientific interpretations of unexplained phenomena, and the challenges of investigating such cases.