UFO Information - 1970 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-INFORMATION
Issue: No. 2-70
Publisher: ARBETSGRUPPEN FÖR UFO-OG
Date: January 1970 (implied by issue number and article dates)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, from scientific speculation about celestial bodies to eyewitness accounts and the societal implications of believing in extraterrestrial visitors.

Editorial and Background

The editorial section, titled "MODERNT – FÖRLEGATI," addresses the readers as part of a growing network of UFO groups in Sweden. It reiterates the group's core belief that UFOs represent something significant for human civilization, rejecting conventional scientific explanations (psychological, earthly, or misinterpretations). The group posits that behind many UFO phenomena lies an intelligence superior to humanity, both spiritually and technically. The editorial acknowledges that this idea is met with resistance, often dismissed as absurd or unrealistic by mainstream society and even scientists who readily accept the existence of billions of planets. It criticizes the scientific establishment for creating a self-imposed confinement within physical laws, neglecting areas like parapsychology and metaphysics, and viewing them with suspicion. The editorial concludes by stating the need to combat fanatic faith in science, prejudice, and vanity.

Scientific Speculation: The Secret of Phobos

An article titled "PHOBOS HEMLIGHET" (The Secret of Phobos) explores the possibility that Mars' moons, Phobos and Deimos, might be artificial. Citing Russian physicist Shklovsky, the article presents four points: 1) Phobos is the smallest satellite in the solar system. 2) Both moons orbit their planet unusually closely, with Phobos at only 8,000 km. 3) Deimos orbits Mars three times before the planet completes one rotation, unlike other moons. 4) Phobos is gradually losing altitude, similar to artificial satellites. The article notes that many scientists, including Fred Hoyle and Fred Singer, find these theories plausible, with Professor Clyde Tombough pointing out Phobos's deviation from its calculated course. The phenomenon of losing altitude was explained by the moons being hollow, making them more susceptible to gravitational pull, a concept illustrated by the Echo I satellite. The article also touches upon the historical difficulty in observing these moons, with attempts in 1862 failing while successful observations were made in 1877, leading to speculation about their placement. While some attribute the earlier failure to bad luck or lack of skill, others suggest they could be ancient monuments from a lost civilization.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Several newspaper clippings detail UFO sightings in Sweden:

• Järna, Sweden (January 6, 1970): Liss Albert Johansson, a clock worker, reported seeing a bright fireball moving northeast. Using binoculars, he observed a cylinder-like object above the fireball. The sighting was corroborated by others, and the radio observatory in Lund expressed interest, requesting details. The estimated speed was 1,200 km/h.
• Arjeplog, Sweden (January 6, 1970): Two luminous objects were seen flying in a north-south direction. Gymnastics teacher Göran Johansson described them as brighter than normal aircraft lights and larger, moving relatively low and silently. He initially mistook them for a meteor but later realized their unusual nature.
• Nyköping, Sweden (December 22, 1969): Hugo Eriksson and his nephew Dan Ridne reported seeing a "flying saucer" approaching their car at low altitude. They described it as a flat object with a strong light, about the size of a steering wheel, moving at enormous speed.
• Malilla, Sweden: A vocational teacher, Vilgot Gyllenstrand, reported a thick column of smoke rising from a hole in the road near Ödhult, with the surrounding snow melted by heat. He speculated it could be a powerful meteor impact.

Societal Barriers to Belief

An article titled "Farligt tro på flygande tefat" (Dangerous to believe in flying saucers) discusses the risks associated with openly expressing belief in UFOs. It posits that for individuals in positions of power, like politicians or scientists, admitting to such beliefs could jeopardize their careers, status, and public image. The article argues that society is not ready to accept the existence of superior extraterrestrial intelligences, and any deviation from established scientific paradigms is met with skepticism, ridicule, and accusations of irrationality. It suggests that even if one were to have direct contact with extraterrestrials, the fear of losing power and influence would compel them to remain silent. The author criticizes the public's reliance on authority, particularly scientific authority, which dictates what is considered acceptable knowledge. The article concludes by questioning whether people are more inclined to believe a familiar lie than an unfamiliar truth.

Book Review: "UFO. Nya fakta om de flygande tefaten."

The final section reviews K. Gösta Rehn's book, "UFO. Nya fakta om de flygande tefaten" (UFO. New Facts about Flying Saucers), published in October 1969. The book is praised by docent in physics Ulf Ringström for its comprehensive coverage of the UFO problem in Sweden and internationally. Rehn's book details cases that occurred after his first publication, discusses the "ghost rockets" of 1946, and presents foreign observations. It examines various forms of evidence, including pilot reports, photographic proof, radar data, physical traces, and the ETI hypothesis. The review notes Rehn's discussion of scientists who are for or against UFOs, his mention of the Condon report, and his exploration of UFO propulsion theories. The book also delves into the psychology surrounding UFO beliefs, highlighting the difficulty of accepting "fantastic realities" and the tendency for people to prioritize their daily struggles and self-interest over distant phenomena. Rehn also discusses the secrecy surrounding UFOs within government circles, mentioning agencies like the CIA and FBI. The reviewer highly recommends the book as the most scientific work on the subject in Swedish, suitable for both beginners and advanced readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential existence of extraterrestrial intelligence, the scientific community's often dismissive attitude towards UFO phenomena, and the societal challenges faced by individuals who believe in or investigate UFOs. The magazine's stance is clearly in favor of exploring these phenomena seriously, challenging conventional scientific dogma, and advocating for a more open-minded approach to unexplained aerial objects and potential non-human intelligence. There is a strong undercurrent of criticism towards mainstream science and authority figures for their perceived resistance to unconventional ideas.