Tid och rum - 1964 No 13

Magazine Overview

Title: TID OCH RUM
Issue: Nr. 13
Date: October 1964
Publisher: Ifologiska Sällskapet (Ufological Society)
Type: Ufological Journal

Editorial Introduction

The editorial section begins with a thank you to the functionaries who have contributed to the journal, specifically mentioning Sven-Erik and Ing-Marie Asklund for their dedicated work. The editor highlights that this issue dedicates significant space to a less-discussed aspect of the 'New Age' program: natural healing through prayer, referred to as 'Healing – Helprägdagörelse'. The editor posits that becoming a whole person, healthy and in harmony with the universe and oneself, is central to humanity's development towards a higher level. Citing T.E. Campbell-Best, the editor suggests that many individual and cultural deficiencies stem from ignorance of our connection to the universe and God.

Articles and Features

"Ung gävlebo redovisar iakttagelser" (Young man from Gävle reports observations) by Ulf Eriksson

This article, originally from Gävle Dagblad on September 5, 1964, features Ulf Eriksson, a 17-year-old student who has been following UFO reports. Eriksson discusses the difficulty in explaining UFO phenomena, dismissing the 'expert' explanation of falling satellites for past sightings due to objects having 'tails' and not being present over Sweden at the time. He notes the consistency in reports regarding shape, size, and sound (or lack thereof), suggesting a categorization of UFOs. The article mentions the term 'flying saucer' originating from pilot Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. It references Project Blue Book's statistics, noting over 10,000 UFO reports received by 1950, with unofficial estimates suggesting actual sightings are much higher. The article also touches upon the 'foo fighters' observed during World War II, for which no satisfactory explanation has been provided.

Eriksson recounts the 1948 Kentucky incident where Captain Mantell pursued a UFO and was later found deceased, with his plane showing signs of unusual damage. He also details the 1952 Washington D.C. sightings, where UFOs evaded fighter jets and displayed extraordinary maneuverability. The article concludes by stating that the US Air Force's explanation for these phenomena was eventually abandoned without a replacement.

"Botar Bön?" (Heals Prayer?) by T.E. Campbell-Best

This section introduces Thomas Campbell-Best, an English faith healer who practices prayer and has a significant following. He is scheduled to visit Sweden, with meetings planned in Malmö and other southern cities. Campbell-Best emphasizes that he welcomes skeptics and will return to Sweden to check on patients. His methods are described as distinct from more sensational faith healers, focusing on a calm, non-ecstatic approach. He believes that healing is natural because God does not wish people to be sick. The article includes testimonials from individuals who claim to have been healed by him, including a woman who recovered from chronic rheumatism and could suddenly lift her arm freely.

Campbell-Best explains that he receives information through prayer, allowing him to diagnose and help patients. He stresses that while faith is helpful, it's not an absolute requirement for healing. He describes his approach as gentle and empathetic, akin to a psychiatrist aiming to bring joy into a person's life. The article contrasts his methods with those of other faith healers, suggesting his approach is harmless and effective.

"Kavajen av när Guds kompanjon helar de sjuka" (The Jacket of when God's companion heals the sick)

This article continues the discussion on Thomas Campbell-Best's healing practices, describing his calm demeanor and direct communication with patients. It notes his ability to diagnose conditions and his belief that God provides the information. Campbell-Best states he discovered his gift at age 12 and has dedicated the last 17 years to healing. He runs a large 'healing' institute in Winchester, England, with a global following. The article mentions that a Swedish translation of his book, 'A Way of Light,' is forthcoming, which discusses the causes of suffering, including anxiety and the misuse of sexuality.

"En sällsam visit hos Gray Barker" (A strange visit to Gray Barker) by James W. Moseley

James W. Moseley recounts a visit to Gray Barker, a prominent UFO author and publisher. Barker, who was previously known for his arrogance, appeared fearful and had lost his comfortable lifestyle. Moseley describes Barker's new, dilapidated living situation and his suspicion that Barker was being threatened by an organized group, possibly related to the 'silencing' of other UFO researchers. Barker had recently fired his staff for their safety and was continuing his publishing work alone, seemingly disillusioned by the sales of his book "Saucerian Bulletin". Despite his evident distress, Barker advised Moseley to be cautious in his UFO research.

Moseley notes that Barker is the author of "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers" and publisher of other UFO literature. He also mentions that Barker has publicly debated with Adamski.

"Fatta mod" (Take Courage) by T.E. Campbell-Best

This piece, presented as a narrative dictated by T.E. Campbell-Best, describes a council of beings in the solar system discussing the disharmony on planet Earth. The narrative depicts a cosmic council where Jesus appears, and the leaders discuss the plight of Earth's inhabitants who have rejected his teachings and caused great suffering through war and atomic power. Jesus announces his intention to return to Earth to guide his 'children' and calls for volunteers to assist in this mission. He warns that the Earth's astral body, composed of human thoughts and desires, can cause memory loss and confusion among volunteers. However, he assures them that increased vibrations in the 1960s will lead to greater understanding and acceptance of truth, preparing humanity for the end of wars.

Comparison of Adamski and Bender

The magazine contrasts the accounts of two contactees: Adamski and Albert K. Bender. Adamski describes benevolent, vegetarian space beings focused on spiritual development and reincarnation. In contrast, Bender describes encounters with monstrous, foul-smelling beings from the planet Kazik, whose primary goal is to exploit Earth's resources. Bender's narrative suggests these beings lack belief in God and an afterlife. The article notes that while Adamski's accounts include photographic evidence and testimonies, Bender's story is also integrated with factual events and has supporting evidence from other experiencers. The article points out that Bender's claims about UFOs arriving in 1945 and leaving in 1960 might be inaccurate, but his overall narrative is considered significant. The existence of 'monsters' in the South Pole region, as described by Bender, is supported by a recent sighting in Tasmania.

Bender's lecture and experiences

The issue also reports on a lecture given by Albert Bender titled "The World of Kazik," where he shared new information about life on his home planet. Bender's accounts are presented as having a strange power, with examples of negative events occurring to people he wished ill upon. The article mentions that Bender has distanced himself from some of Moseley's earlier accounts and stated in a 1963 article that he had never seen a UFO or an alien.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and faith healing. The magazine presents a range of perspectives on UFOs, from journalistic reporting of sightings to personal accounts from contactees. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring these phenomena, providing a platform for various viewpoints, including those that challenge conventional scientific explanations. The inclusion of T.E. Campbell-Best's faith healing practices suggests an interest in alternative spiritual and healing methods, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being and human development. The contrast between Adamski's and Bender's accounts highlights the diverse and often conflicting nature of contactee narratives within the ufological community.

This issue of ToR magazine, spanning issues 270-279 and dated 1964, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, ancient civilizations, and the scientific and statistical analysis of reported sightings. The magazine features articles, interviews, and letters, presenting a mix of theories, reports, and debates within the UFO community.

Key Articles and Themes

The Suppression of UFOlogists

The issue begins by touching upon the alleged suppression of UFO researchers, mentioning individuals like Bender and Gray Barker. It suggests that some UFOlogists believe in two opposing forces at work on Earth: one benevolent and one malevolent.

SÖKAREN Magazine Announcement

An advertisement introduces 'SÖKAREN,' a new Swedish magazine dedicated to truth-seekers. It is described as an A4-sized publication with 16 pages, featuring articles by Swedish and international writers, book reviews, poems, and letters. The magazine aims to provide a balanced perspective on various issues, including UFOs, and will publish articles both for and against the existence of flying saucers.

Correction Regarding UFO Sightings Timing

A correction is issued regarding a previous statement about the timing of UFO experiences, clarifying that most sightings occur during leisure hours, not specifically between 7 PM and 1 AM.

Lunar Photos and Earthly Connections

An article titled "Lunar Photo Reveals Connection Between Moon and South Sea?" by I. Troëng discusses Professor Ivar Hessland's comments on images from Ranger 7. Hessland finds the large caldera-like formations on the moon's surface interesting, as similar formations on Earth are typically found in volcanic areas like Hawaii. He notes that lunar calderas appear flatter and wider than their terrestrial counterparts, with the exception of Lake Toba in Java. The article speculates on the formation of these calderas through lava and ash extrusion and subsequent collapse into voids, drawing parallels to processes observed on Earth.

Ivan Troëng's Theory on Ancient Cultures and the Moon

Another article, based on a lecture by Ivan Troëng, presents his book "Kulterer före istiden" (Cultures Before the Ice Age). Troëng proposes that the moon is not as old as commonly believed but originated from Earth about 12,000 years ago. He suggests that this event, a catastrophic separation, created a void that was later filled by the Pacific Ocean. According to Troëng, this cataclysm also led to the destruction of advanced ancient human civilizations on Earth. He references archaeological findings in Iraq suggesting cities dating back to 1800 BC, implying a much older history for human civilization than conventionally accepted. Troëng posits that myths like Eden and the Great Flood might be remnants of this lost era, with the continent of Mu being the cradle of humanity, which was ejected into space to become the moon.

The 'Straight-Line' Phenomenon: Michel vs. Menzel

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a debate between French author Aimé Michel and American astrophysicist Dr. Donald Menzel regarding the statistical analysis of UFO sightings. Michel claims that UFO sightings often align along straight lines, which he calls 'orthoteny.' He presents data, particularly focusing on a line between Bayonne and Vichy on September 24, 1954, where multiple sightings occurred. Menzel, however, strongly criticizes Michel's methodology. He argues that Michel's selection of data is biased, his statistical calculations are flawed, and he fails to account for random chance and potential reporting errors. Menzel contends that Michel's 'lines' are not scientifically significant and are likely the result of subjective interpretation and poor statistical practice. He uses examples, including a friend's experiment with randomly placed objects forming lines, to support his argument that such patterns can arise by chance. Menzel accuses Michel of selectively using data and making unsubstantiated claims.

UFO Sightings in Sweden

Several brief reports detail UFO sightings within Sweden:

• Nykroppa: Workers observed a white triangular object hovering for 50 minutes before moving away.
• Stockholm: A flying saucer was seen over Riddarfjärden, performing evasive maneuvers and diving towards Helgeandsholmen.

"Guds tyste kompanjon" - World Healing Fellowship

The establishment of the "World Healing Fellowship" by T.E. Campbell-Best is announced. This organization aims to promote natural healing through prayer and divine power, with plans to open schools for psychosomatic healing in Sweden and England.

Captain B. William Nash Defends UFO Reporting Pilots

Flight Captain B. William Nash of Pan American Air Ways defends experienced pilots who report UFO encounters. He highlights that these pilots undergo rigorous physical and psychological evaluations and adhere to strict regulations, including abstaining from alcohol before flights. Nash criticizes the tendency to dismiss such reports, often labeling pilots as incompetent or unstable, despite their professional credibility. He notes that many pilots now remain silent about their experiences due to fear of ridicule and professional repercussions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a strong focus on UFO phenomena. There's an underlying theme of questioning established scientific and historical narratives, particularly concerning ancient civilizations and the origins of celestial bodies like the moon. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry and the presentation of diverse, even controversial, theories and data. The detailed statistical debate between Michel and Menzel highlights the magazine's interest in rigorously examining evidence, even while acknowledging the limitations and potential biases within the field of UFO research. The inclusion of reports from various locations and the defense of credible witnesses suggest a commitment to documenting and understanding UFO-related events.

This issue of TOR, identified by its page numbers 280-283, is a Swedish-language publication focusing on unexplained aerial phenomena and related scientific and anecdotal reports. The cover headline, "De flygande tefaten - dikt eller verklighet?" (The flying saucers - fiction or reality?), sets the tone for the content within.

The Nash/Fortenberry UFO Sighting

The central piece of this issue details the famous UFO-formation sighting by Senior Captain Nash and co-pilot Fortenberry on July 14, 1952. While flying a Pan American DC-4 at an altitude of 2,400 meters near Newport News, Virginia, they observed six large, glowing, metallic discs approaching at high speed. The discs suddenly tilted at an angle, lost their glow, and then resumed a horizontal position, with two more discs joining the formation before all disappeared with immense speed. The observation lasted between 12 and 15 seconds.

This sighting was confirmed by six witnesses, including a naval corvette captain on the ground. The pilots were thoroughly interrogated by experts from the U.S. Air Force's Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC). After extensive investigation, ATIC concluded that the observed objects were unknown. Major Dewey Fournet of the Air Force's intelligence service later described the report as one of the most accurate and reliable received by the Air Force's "Project UFO".

Scientific Skepticism and Pilot Defense

Dr. Donald Menzel from Harvard Observatory is presented as a prominent skeptic who, in correspondence with NICAP, ridiculed the pilots and attributed their observation to optical illusions. The issue includes a detailed response from Captain Nash to Dr. Menzel, refuting his claims. Nash emphasizes the rigorous training and experience of commercial pilots, highlighting their ability to identify various objects and phenomena due to thousands of flight hours and constant practice in simulations and real-world scenarios. He argues that pilots are trained to be objective and not prone to hysteria, and that their observations are based on careful analysis, not assumptions. Nash details the thorough debriefing process they underwent, including separate and joint interviews, drawing of flight paths, and recording of their statements, all of which were consistent.

Nash also addresses Menzel's assertion that 12 seconds is insufficient to form a proper impression. He explains that pilots are trained to recognize objects, including ships and aircraft models, under extreme time constraints, often in split-second projections. He asserts that their training allows them to make accurate identifications and sketches even under such conditions, making their 12-15 second observation highly reliable.

Object Characteristics and Speed Calculation

The pilots' calculation of the objects' speed is presented. They estimated the distance to the objects and calculated the time taken to cover a significant distance, arriving at a speed of approximately 19,300 km/h. Nash defends this calculation, stating it was a conservative estimate based on their observations and calculations, not a hasty assumption as Menzel implied.

Other Reports and Phenomena

The issue also touches upon other unusual reports:

• New Mexico Incident: In a desert area in New Mexico, a ten-meter diameter patch of ground is described as burnt, with four 15-18 cm deep holes. Pilot Lonnie Zainora claims to have seen an egg-shaped metallic object parked on this spot, which then flew away when he approached. Another witness, George Mitropolis, corroborated seeing a silver-shining craft.
• UFO Statistics: A 1963 U.S. Air Force report is mentioned, stating that out of 8,000 investigated UFO reports over 16 years, only 7.7% remained unexplained. However, it also notes that 600 reports lacked a natural explanation, and in 1963 alone, 382 UFO reports were received, with many still unexplained. The Air Force maintained that there was no evidence of extraterrestrial spacecraft.
• Aerospace Technology: The article briefly mentions engineer Alexander P. Seversky's patent for an "Ionocraft," a craft that uses ionized air to achieve lift and could potentially travel at high altitudes and facilitate long-distance communication.
• Neutron Stars: A planned U.S. Navy rocket launch from White Sands, New Mexico, aims to investigate a neutron star in the constellation Scorpius, from which a stream of soft X-rays is being emitted.
• Norrtälje Incident: Reporter Esse Jancson of Norrtälje Tidning photographed three saucer-like objects over Norrtälje, Sweden. The article references a piece from "The Scandinavian Times" discussing "Saucer or satellite? Astronomers are up in the Air Over Mysterious Lights."
• Kyzylkum Petrified Stumps: An article from DN (August 23, 1964) describes geologists discovering petrified mangrove stumps in the Kyzylkum desert that produce musical sounds when wind blows through them, suggesting the area was once a tropical forest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the tension between eyewitness testimony, particularly from credible sources like experienced pilots, and scientific skepticism, represented by figures like Dr. Menzel. The editorial stance appears to favor presenting both sides of the argument, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. There's a clear emphasis on the detailed nature of pilot reports and the rigorous training that underpins their observations. The inclusion of various unexplained phenomena, from aerial sightings to geological anomalies, suggests a broad interest in the unexplained. The publication of the Nash/Fortenberry case, along with their detailed defense, indicates a leaning towards validating such accounts while acknowledging the challenges posed by scientific skepticism.