UFO Allehenda - 1981 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Allehanda, published by Enköpings UFO-föreing in 1981 (Issue N3), is a Swedish-language magazine focused on UFO phenomena and astronomy. The cover features a hand-drawn illustration of a person observing the night sky with a telescope, with the magazine title prominently displayed.

Key Articles and Features

UFO-Sveriges Riksstämma (UFO-Sweden National Meeting)

The magazine reports on the UFO-Sverige national meeting, which began on Friday the 13th and involved a group of young people traveling to the capital. The journey was made in a grey Volvo, and the participants had expectations for the event. Upon arrival, their vehicle was parked about ten meters under Vasagatan. The report humorously details their experiences, including using elevators, encountering a 'red drink' in China, and a brief encounter with a 'black and white craft' that moved with 'lightning speed'. This was followed by a visit to a police station and an interaction with a uniformed individual from the planet 'Cekuritas' who helped them retrieve their vehicle. The article concludes by noting the cost of the trip and the return of the 'citizen from the cucumber town' after half an hour.

Cevil DC-9 Nedakjuten (Cevil DC-9 Shot Down)

This section discusses the downing of an Italian DC-9 aircraft in the Tyrrhenian Sea at an altitude of 7580 meters. Initial speculation ranged from meteorite impacts to UFO collisions. However, extensive analysis of radar images and metal fragments from the aircraft by a special investigation commission in the USA concluded that the DC-9 was shot down by a military robot missile. Evidence cited includes fragments from phosphorus that are not part of aircraft components but are found in rockets. The missile likely targeted the aircraft due to the strong heat radiation from its engines. The missile could have originated from Italian, American, French, or NATO forces operating in the Mediterranean near Sicily.

Astronomy: Jupiter and Saturn

Two articles detail observations of planets in the night sky. Jupiter is described as the fifth planet from the sun, weighing 2.5 times the mass of all other planets combined, with a diameter of 142,800 km. It is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. Its rapid rotation causes multi-colored cloud belts. The Great Red Spot, an enormous oval, is a prominent feature, possibly caused by hot gas erupting from Jupiter's interior. The article notes that Jupiter emits twice as much heat as it receives from the sun, possibly due to its formation or a slow contraction. The possibility of airborne life in its lower atmospheric layers is mentioned. The article also touches upon the intense magnetic field around Jupiter.

Saturn is described as the most distant visible planet, taking 29.5 years to orbit the sun. Like Jupiter, it is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, but its distinguishing feature is its rings, which are made of ice-covered rock particles. The rings' diameter is 275,000 km but they are less than 16 km thick. The rings may have formed from a moon that came too close and was broken apart by the planet's gravity. The Cassini Division, a gap in the rings, is mentioned. Saturn's rotation period is 10.25 hours. Of its ten moons, Titan is noted as having a substantial atmosphere. The article mentions that images of Saturn are expected from the Pioneer 11 probe in 1979, and Voyager 1 and 2 will provide closer views in 1979 and 1981.

Member News and Activities

Småff och Groff (Small and Large) section includes updates on the 1981 national meeting, noting that the old central group was re-elected, with Jörgen Granlie joining. It also mentions upcoming spring activities, including cleaning the 'tout' (likely a meeting place or facility) and calls for volunteers. Study evenings are ongoing, with reports of UFO detectors registering magnetic disturbances in Enköping. Two construction kits are available for interested members. Members are urged to pay their membership fees by April 30th. Upcoming events include a larger stakeout with barbecue on April 25th and a planning conference in Lersäter on May 22-23.

Ivars Spalt (Ivar's Column) features a story about a UFO sighting reported by the son of a member, Erik. In 1978, while fishing in Resund, his son and a friend saw a disk-shaped object descend into the water near their boat. Erik, a high-ranking army officer, has been instrumental in obtaining permits for the UFO-Enköping association to use a tower in Veckholm for observations. Erik himself does not believe in UFOs.

Vitsen (The Joke) is a simple riddle about animals jumping higher than houses.

Någon ros? Nej det får ni inte (Any roses? No, you don't get any) urges members to pay their dues, detailing the costs for different age groups and families. It also mentions new member applications and invites people to the April 5th meeting to see the new members.

Frågelådan (The Mailbox) addresses a member named Tyeta Jakop who is experiencing loneliness. The response suggests using contact ads and offers support, mentioning that he had an eye injury and was taken to the doctor. It also highlights the association's library, which has many books on UFOs, and encourages members to visit it.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

This issue reflects a strong engagement with both UFO phenomena and practical aspects of running a UFO organization. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO reports, coupled with a pragmatic approach to member activities, meetings, and administrative tasks. There is a clear effort to keep members informed about local and national UFO events, astronomical discoveries, and the internal workings of the Enköpings UFO-föreing. The inclusion of personal anecdotes, such as Ivar's column and the 'Frågelådan', adds a personal touch, while the detailed astronomical articles suggest a broad interest in unexplained phenomena beyond just UFOs. The recurring themes include UFO sightings, investigations, astronomical observations, and the social and organizational aspects of a UFO club.