UFO Information - 1969 No 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION., number 2 from 1969, is published by UFO-Motala and features a mix of contemporary UFO reports, historical accounts, and a section on Tibetan breathing techniques.

Editorial and Distribution

The editorial section announces a change of address for UFO-Motala to Månvägen 3, Fornåsa, 590 30 BORENSBERG. The editors appeal to readers to contribute material for the magazine. A significant challenge highlighted is the distribution of thousands of questionnaires intended for a petition to the UN. The organization is seeking help to get these forms filled out, as they currently have a surplus of blank forms despite having collected nearly a thousand completed ones.

The editorial also addresses a negative trend in media coverage of UFOs, citing an article with the headline "Flying Saucer Fantasies and Fakes" that appeared in several Swedish newspapers. The article was traced back to the publishing house of the MODERATA SAMLINGSPARTIETS FÖRLAGSBYRÅ STHLM, which the editors criticize for being backward-looking.

Historical and Contemporary Sightings

1869 and 100 Years Later

An article by Anders Liljegren contrasts a sighting from 1869 with a modern event. The 1869 report from Norrköpings Tidningar describes a 'natural phenomenon' involving two colossal spheres emitting white rays towards the horizon. Liljegren then connects this to a recent Apollo mission incident where astronauts experienced electrical system issues, with the commander reporting a flash of light and a luminous phenomenon among the clouds. While acknowledging that this specific case might be a natural phenomenon, Liljegren questions whether humanity has truly progressed in understanding the unexplained, suggesting that such phenomena are still dismissed as 'natural' when they cannot be readily explained.

UFO Passed Over Half of Sweden

This section presents detailed reports of UFO sightings. John Erik Pettersson provides a report concerning a phenomenon along the Norrland coast.

Nås Sighting: On October 6, 1969, at approximately 2:57 AM, Marianne Lundin and her husband Vallentin Hallström witnessed a large, bright light in the eastern sky. The object was described as being as large as a teacup (smaller than the full moon), bright like a welding torch or searchlight, and shiny. It left a smoke trail that lingered for about half an hour. The light remained constant until the object disappeared over the horizon, having been observed for one to two minutes. It moved in an arc towards the northeast. Hallström stated he had never seen anything like it and found the experience fantastic.

Rättvik Sighting: On the same night, October 6, 1969, at approximately 2:45 AM, Maria Asp saw a red-glowing object that appeared to explode about 45 degrees above the horizon. She initially thought it was an exploding airplane. The object moved in a north-northeast direction towards the horizon. A greyish-white cloud formed after the explosion, and a craft emerged from it, leaving a smoke trail before disappearing over the horizon. The explosion itself did not produce smoke.

Sundsvall, Kramfors, Umeå, Luleå

This section compiles press reports of a phenomenon observed across the Norrland coast.

• Expressen Report: On October 3rd, around 3 AM, a bright object was seen simultaneously in Luleå, Umeå, and Sundsvall, moving at high altitude and changing direction from east to north in a wide arc. Göran Dahlström, a meteorologist at Sundsvall/Härnösand Airport, described it as a bright point followed by a large smoke cloud, possibly a rocket at high altitude, with the rear part potentially being exhaust gases illuminated by the sun.
• Aftonbladet Report: The phenomenon was described as a bright white object moving quickly across the sky. A police constable in Kramfors photographed the object, which appeared as a large light spot resembling the sun.
• Dala-Demokraten Report: The phenomenon could be related to a rocket launch from the Esrange base in Kiruna on the night of the sighting, which released a barium cloud at high altitude.

The distance between Nås and Luleå, where the phenomenon was observed, is approximately 700 kilometers, suggesting a single, large-scale event.

Newspaper Clippings from England

This section presents quotes from prominent individuals regarding UFOs:

• Barry Goldwater, Senator: Stated that "Flying saucers, unidentified flying objects – whatever one calls them – are a reality."
• Albert M Chop, former US Air Force Press Secretary: Asserted, "One thing is absolutely certain: We are being observed by beings from outer space."
• Lord Dowding, Chief of the British Air Force: Believed that people on other planets are trying to help Earth through "flying saucers," calling the evidence "overwhelming."
• Dr. Clyde W Tombough, discoverer of Pluto: Claimed to have seen three objects in seven years that could not be explained as Venus, optical or atmospheric phenomena, meteors, or airplanes. He described observing eight green fireballs moving unusually and criticized scientists who deny the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
• Pierre Clostermann, French fighter ace: Stated that "Flying saucers are of extraterrestrial origin. Neither Americans nor Russians are capable of constructing craft of this type. What characterizes these discs surpasses our current scientific capabilities."
• William Lear: Believed that "flying saucers are controlled by super-intelligent beings from outer space."

Tyneham, Dorset Sighting: A woman and her pilot husband reported seeing a flying saucer land on an army firing range. Later, they found a pattern of holes, 8 meters in diameter, possibly made by round poles with a spike in the middle. Dorset police also found a similar unexplained pattern near Blandford. The circular holes were about three decimeters in diameter with a narrow, deep hole in the center. The woman described a glowing, semi-transparent elliptical object that landed, revealing three-legged supports. Her husband drove the car closer, and they observed the object for about half an hour before it flew away silently.

Breathing Exercises

This extensive section details a personal account by T. Lobsang Rampa, recounting lessons learned from his teacher, Laman Mingyar Dondup, in Tibet.

Rampa describes an incident where he overexerted himself while trying to impress others with his agility on stilts. His teacher, Lobsang, then instructed him on the importance of proper breathing. The lesson emphasizes that breathing is the source of all life and that an incorrect method can lead to fatigue and illness.

The teacher introduces four methods of breathing:

1. High Breathing: This method only uses the upper part of the chest and lungs, resulting in minimal air intake and poor oxygenation. It is deemed completely useless and the worst method.
2. Middle Breathing: This is described as 'chest breathing' where the diaphragm remains relatively still. The teacher dismisses it as not particularly good and advises against its use.
3. Low Breathing: Also known as 'abdominal breathing,' this method is better than the previous two but still not correct. It does not fill the lungs completely, leading to incomplete air replacement and potential illness.
4. Complete Breathing: This is presented as the ideal method, integrating low breathing (abdomen), middle breathing (diaphragm), and high breathing (chest). The goal is to fill the lungs completely, thereby purifying the blood and infusing it with 'prana' (life force).

Rampa is taught the 'purifying breathing' technique, which involves filling the lungs completely three times, holding the breath, and exhaling forcefully through pursed lips. He is warned against experimenting with breathing techniques without a qualified teacher, as it can be dangerous.

The section also includes exercises for building nerve strength, involving controlled breathing and muscle tension. Rampa learns that the speed of movement and muscle tension are crucial for the effectiveness of these exercises. The teacher explains that the Tibetan breathing system was developed from ancient documents found deep within the Potala.

Philosophical Musings

The issue concludes with a series of short, aphoristic statements:

• It is disheartening to live in a time when it is easier to split an atom than to split a prejudice.
• It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.
• The probability of life arising by chance is as likely as a large lexicon appearing from an explosion in a print shop.
• Truth needs no proof; it is true in itself.
• If people in a house need saving, one does not hesitate because of the doorman's face.
• Chance does not exist; what we call chance is the effect of an unseen cause.
• If a universe could create itself, it must contain a creative force, implying the universe itself is a god.
• When asked to "live for progress," the question arises: "Progress towards what?"
• Seek truth, and even if you reach the gates of hell, knock on them.
• It is better to investigate a question without deciding it than to decide it without investigating it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the reality of UFO phenomena and encourages critical investigation. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness towards unexplained aerial phenomena, contrasting with what it perceives as dismissive or sensationalist media coverage. There's a clear advocacy for UFO research and a desire to gather evidence and public opinion, as seen in the questionnaire campaign. The inclusion of historical sightings suggests a belief that UFO phenomena have a long history. The article on breathing techniques, while seemingly unrelated, aligns with a broader interest in alternative knowledge and practices, possibly reflecting a holistic approach to understanding human potential and consciousness, which may be linked to the broader UFO discourse in some circles.

Title: Göteborgstidningen
Issue: November 1969, Volume 10
Cover Headline: NASA tiger om tefaten (NASA reacts to saucers)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Göteborgstidningen, dated November 1969, focuses heavily on unidentified flying objects (UFOs), particularly those reported by astronauts during space missions, and includes a local Swedish sighting. The magazine presents a narrative suggesting that official explanations for these phenomena are often lacking or deliberately withheld.

NASA and Astronaut Sightings

The lead article details the encounter of astronauts James McDivitt and Ed White during the Gemini 4 mission on June 4, 1965. McDivitt reported an 'unknown satellite' with 'arms in all directions' that was yellow-white and egg-shaped. The object was photographed and filmed, and NASA has acknowledged its existence, though it has never been explained. A still image from the film was released but was described as unclear.

The article also references earlier sightings, including one by astronaut Gordon Cooper in May 1963. During his final orbit, Cooper reported a greenish object moving in an unusual east-west direction, contrary to normal satellite paths. This sighting was reportedly witnessed by ground station personnel and NBC reporters, but NASA reportedly instructed journalists not to question Cooper about the incident.

Further astronaut encounters are discussed, specifically the Gemini 7 mission in late 1965, where astronauts Frank Borman and James Lovell reported a 'bogey'—a term for an unidentified flying object that could be hostile. While the ground station suggested it was a spent rocket stage, Borman insisted it was something else entirely, a 'tumbling body' in a different part of the sky. Borman later testified about this sighting to the Colorado investigation into UFOs.

The Colorado Investigation and NASA's Stance

The Colorado investigation, mentioned in relation to Borman's testimony, reportedly concluded that the sightings were genuine and the objects unexplainable. However, the investigation's final statement was that nothing proved the existence of UFOs, a conclusion that faced strong criticism from researchers in the USA.

An article titled 'Reportage' by Lars Carpelan discusses the secrecy surrounding UFO observations made by astronauts, attributing it to NASA's censorship aimed at preventing public panic. Despite this, the magazine quotes NASA PR-chef Albert M. Chop from January 1965, who stated his long-held conviction that flying saucers are interplanetary and that Earth is under surveillance.

Swedish Sighting in Avesta

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a UFO sighting in Avesta, Sweden. The Britta and Casta family, along with their sons Lars-Åke and Hans-Erik, and local car mechanic Allan Eriksen, reported observing what they described as 'regular traffic' of UFOs over Avesta on Sunday evenings. They described a phenomenon that appeared to be a craft, which stopped in the zenith, changed direction, and moved at high speed. At one point, the object reportedly descended so low that they thought they could discern window contours. The family is convinced it is not a Sputnik or any conventional satellite, as such objects would not stop and change direction for extended periods.

Other Mentions and Themes

The magazine also touches upon the upcoming second moon landing, referencing an article from 'The Scotchman' (May 20, 1969) that discusses unidentified objects observed during the first moon landing mission. Astronaut John Young reported seeing a rotating object, possibly a third stage, while the nature of a second object remained unknown.

A cartoon on the second page satirizes the official response to UFO sightings, depicting figures representing Swedish newspapers ('Expressen', 'Aftonbladet', 'DN', 'NWT') and the Swedish Defence Research Agency ('FOA') at a 'Defense Staff' building. While the newspaper representatives seem bewildered ('?!'), the FOA representative dismisses the phenomena as 'just balloons and satellites'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the persistent mystery of UFOs, particularly their connection to space exploration and astronaut reports. The magazine appears to lean towards the belief that these phenomena are real, possibly extraterrestrial, and that official bodies like NASA may be involved in a cover-up or at least in controlling the flow of information. The inclusion of a local Swedish sighting alongside international astronaut reports suggests an effort to connect the global phenomenon to the local context. The editorial stance seems to be one of questioning official narratives and highlighting unexplained events, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of advanced, non-terrestrial technology and surveillance.