UFO Information - 1972 No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO INFORMATION
Issue: 8
Volume: 4
Date: December 1972
Publisher: UFO-Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO Information delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, featuring expert analysis, historical accounts, and organizational updates.

Articles

EXPERTIS GRANSKAR DEN FÖRSTA SVENSKA UFO-FILMEN (Expert Analysis of the First Swedish UFO Film)

This article details the first known UFO film made in Sweden, shot in Täby, Stockholm, in July 1968 by Tomas Petterson. While filming, Petterson observed three objects in a triangle formation. He managed to film two of them. The film, analyzed by two scientists in October 1972, shows two diffuse, bright dots that appear to follow each other. The analysis revealed that one object accelerated rapidly and changed direction, exhibiting maneuvers consistent with UFO reports. The scientists noted that only two of the three observed objects were captured on film. They recommended further examination by institutions like the Royal Institute of Technology's optics department or FOA's photo specialists. The film was shown on Swedish television and mentioned in several radio programs.

MYSTISKA BOGEYS STOR APOLLOFÄRDERNA (Mysterious Bogeys and the Great Apollo Flights)

This section appears to be a brief mention or a title without a corresponding article in the provided scan. It suggests a connection between mysterious aerial phenomena and the Apollo space missions.

VÄRNAMO-FRU SÅG MODERSKEPP (Värnamo Woman Saw Mothership)

This is a headline indicating a report about a sighting by a woman in Värnamo, Sweden, who claimed to have seen a 'mothership'. No further details are available from the scanned pages.

TANKER KOLLIDERADE MED OKÄNT FÖREMÅL (Tanker Collided with Unknown Object)

This article reports on an incident involving the Japanese motor tanker 'Yoho Maru' on August 9, 1968. While sailing from the Persian Gulf to Japan with a full oil cargo, the ship experienced a jolt and vibrations. Investigations revealed that the tanker had collided with an unknown object that penetrated its hull and then exited. The 'Yoho Maru', built in 1965, has a capacity of 88,000 tons. The incident occurred in rough seas, and the ship's speed was 15.5 knots. The article notes that the tanker's cargo section is divided into three longitudinal compartments, with the wing tanks (SVT 3 and BVT 3) normally used for ballast when the ship is empty. At the time of the incident, these tanks were empty and gas-free. The collision caused a slight shaking initially, but as vibrations increased, the crew realized something significant had happened. This incident is presented in the context of other worldwide sightings and collisions with unknown underwater objects.

FOA 2 - DEN OFFENTLIGA SPARKBOLLEN (FOA 2 - The Public Football)

This article critically examines the role of the Swedish National Defence Research Institute (FOA), specifically department FOA 2, in handling UFO reports. It questions the official stance, represented by engineer Tage Eriksson, that only misinterpretations like balloons or elephants are observed, dismissing the possibility of extraterrestrial craft. The author suggests that authorities, including the Ministry of Defence, are deliberately withholding information about UFO phenomena. The article implies that while FOA 2 officially handles radar and air force reports, there might be a more secretive, top-level department investigating UFOs. It raises questions about why both Eastern and Western blocs seem united in denying the existence of extraterrestrial visitors, despite the significant resources seemingly allocated to UFO-related matters.

UFO-SVERIGES FORSKNING OMORGANISERAS! (UFO-Sweden's Research is Being Reorganized!)

This article details a significant restructuring of UFO-Sverige's research operations, effective January 1, 1973. A new, strengthened Report and Research Section is being established to create a unified and scientific documentation system for UFO studies. Key changes include:

• New Report Central: The UFO-Sverige Report Central will be transferred to Norrköpings UFO-Förening (NUFOF), led by Anders Liljegren. This central will coordinate ongoing investigations, conduct supplementary research, publish and archive UFO documentation, and develop contacts with external experts.
• Field Researcher Network: A nationwide network of field researchers will be established to conduct on-site investigations and document UFO events. The aim is to decentralize operations and activate more members, moving away from 'desk research' towards more active field work to improve the scientific reliability of data collection.
• Field Researcher Guidelines: A comprehensive 'Handbook for UFO Researchers' will be provided, covering witness contacts, investigation methods, common misinterpretations, special investigations, and documentation.
• National Coordinator: A national coordinator will manage the field researchers, distributing press clippings and reports, and facilitating communication.
• Aspiring Field Researchers: Interested individuals can contact the coordinator for guidance on suitable UFO cases to investigate. Successful applicants will be appointed as field researchers after a review of their submitted documentation.
• Reporting: UFO-Sverige is seeking 'reporters' who can monitor local newspapers and send in relevant UFO sighting clippings to the Report Central. They also seek individuals who can visit local libraries to scan newspapers for UFO reports, as the current press clipping subscription system is deemed inefficient.

"SPÖKFLYGARE" ÖVER NORRLAND REDAN 1933-34 ('Ghost Flyers' Over Norrland Already 1933-34)

This article debunks the common misconception that 'ghost flyers' (spökflygare) only appeared after World War II. It provides evidence that these phenomena were widely observed in northern Scandinavia and Finland long before the war. The article cites Erik Lindorm's book film "Gustav V and His Time" (1928-1938) as evidence of the seriousness with which the then Prime Minister viewed these reports. In 1934, newspaper notices were compiled under the headline "'Ghost Flyers' Over Norrland!".

• Umeå Squadron's Search: On January 11, 1934, a three-plane squadron from Umeå conducted a search for the 'ghost flyers' but returned unsuccessful.
• Radio Listeners in Umeå: On January 11, 1934, it was reported that radio listeners in Umeå claimed to have overheard conversations, possibly from the 'ghost flyers', discussing a meeting at a specific location.
• Government Inquiry: On January 27, 1934, former Prime Minister Arvid Lindman raised the issue of 'mysterious flyers' in parliament, noting their frequent sightings since December 1933 across the country and even in Finland and Norway.
• Prime Minister Orders Further Searches: On February 2, 1934, the Prime Minister ordered continued aerial and ground surveillance. Despite negative results from initial searches, three planes were dispatched to Boden for further investigation.

The article concludes by noting the similarity between these historical events and modern UFO reports from around the world, suggesting a common underlying phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards official explanations of UFO phenomena, particularly from government and research institutions like FOA 2. It champions the idea that UFOs represent a genuine, unexplained phenomenon that warrants serious investigation, often implying that authorities are deliberately downplaying or concealing information. The emphasis on organized research, the collection of detailed reports, and the analysis of evidence (like the UFO film) highlights a commitment to a scientific, albeit unconventional, approach. The historical articles suggest a long-standing interest in UFOs and a belief that the phenomenon is not new. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for transparency and thorough investigation into UFO sightings, encouraging public participation in research efforts.

This issue of UFOLOGEN magazine, identified as issue number 3 and dated October 27, 1972, focuses on two main areas: a significant maritime incident involving the ship "Yoho Maru" and several reports of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings in Sweden.

The "Yoho Maru" Incident

The magazine details the "Yoho Maru" incident, which involved a large hole appearing in the ship's hull below the waterline. The damage was concentrated on the starboard wing tank 3 and extended to center tank 3, with associated cracks in adjacent tanks. This resulted in the leakage of approximately 11,000 tons of oil, causing significant vibrations due to uneven load distribution. Initial investigations at the shipyard in Bahrain and later in Japan were shrouded in secrecy, leading to rumors of a construction defect.

Theories and Investigations

Several theories were proposed to explain the accident:
1. Grounding: Ruled out because the ship's bottom was undamaged, and the hole was too high up.
2. Explosion: Dismissed as wing tank 3 was gas-free, and an explosion would have ignited the leaked oil and damaged the deck, which remained intact.
3. Collision with a submarine: Considered unlikely due to the size of the hole (16 x 3-7 meters), which would suggest a much larger impact and greater damage to the submarine. The location of the damage also made a submarine collision improbable.
4. Construction Defect: This theory was strongly refuted by HITACHI Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd in a letter to Svensk Sjöfarts Tidning. They stated that the article was misleading and damaging to their reputation, asserting that the damage was caused by a collision with an unknown object.

Official investigations by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK), the Japanese classification society, concluded that an unidentified underwater object collided with the ship's hull, causing it to be severely warped and damaged. The ship underwent extensive repairs, with 1,100 tons of plating replaced.

UFO Sightings in Sweden

The magazine also features several UFO sighting reports from Sweden:

Björkö Sighting (October 24, 1972)

Sten Häger reported seeing two bright, burning, orange-yellow objects near Björkö. The objects flew silently towards him, then curved towards Västerlösa. They emitted a faint heat radiation and left a thin layer of grey, non-staining soot on his car.

Tranås Sighting (October 27, 1972)

Margaretha Lindgren, from Tranås, observed two bright lights in the northwest, described as larger than car headlights, with a sharp, burning yellow glow and a corona. She noted a loud, sharp sound associated with the phenomenon.

Värnamo Sighting (November 10, 1972)

Margit Johansson and her daughter Mia observed a bright, rectangular object in the northwest. The object later emitted three smaller, luminous 'balls' that disappeared in an easterly direction. The main object then moved away and vanished.

Gullånget Sighting (November 26, 1972)

Per-Göran and Lilian Jonsson encountered a white, tennis ball-sized object moving slowly. It later descended in a zig-zag pattern and appeared to target their car, prompting them to reverse and drive away. The object was described as having a bright center with sparks and surrounded by a dim, grey cloud.

Theoretical Discussions

The Fourth Dimension

The magazine includes a section discussing the concept of a 'fourth dimension,' referencing mathematicians like Henri Poincaré, Gauss, Helmotz, and Saccheri. It explores the idea that our reality might be part of a larger, multi-dimensional space, and how this concept relates to phenomena that defy conventional understanding, including references to religious texts like the Gospel of John.

"Our World of Smoke and Noise"

An opinion piece by Stefan Berndtsson reflects on the environmental pollution and noise in modern urban life, contrasting it with an idealized rural setting. The author uses a darkly humorous tone to describe the negative impacts of technology and industrialization on human health and the environment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFOLOGEN appears to maintain a critical and investigative stance, examining both unexplained physical events (like the "Yoho Maru" incident) and phenomena that challenge conventional scientific explanations (UFO sightings). The magazine encourages readers to consider alternative theories and provides detailed accounts from witnesses and experts. The recurring themes include unexplained accidents, unidentified aerial and underwater objects, and speculative scientific and philosophical concepts like the fourth dimension, alongside a commentary on environmental issues.

This issue of "Flying Object Agency" (published as part of Clypeus, issue 35, July/August 1971) explores the intersection of space exploration, the concept of the fourth dimension, and unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs). The magazine features articles that question official narratives, suggest hidden information, and propose unconventional explanations for historical and contemporary mysteries.

The Fourth Dimension and Reality

The issue begins by discussing how phenomena that seem impossible within our conventional understanding of reality, such as objects passing through walls or changing size, could be explained by the concept of a fourth dimension. Physicist Albert Einstein is cited as suggesting that motion, rest, time, space, distance, form, and mass are all relative and subject to change. The mathematician Miakovskij is mentioned for his theory that time is a variable in spacetime, and that the fourth dimension is time, not entirely separate from our three-dimensional perception of space. Ugo Maraldi questions the nature of a fourth-dimensional space, with Einstein's theories suggesting spacetime is a continuous, integrated creation of the universe. Some parapsychologists believe that psychic phenomena like telepathy and clairvoyance are aspects of the fourth dimension.

Further exploring this concept, the magazine references scientists who propose that UFOs and other unexplained aerial phenomena might be linked to a dimension where past, present, and future lose their conventional meaning. Objects traveling in such a dimension could seemingly bypass physical laws, appearing as momentary intrusions into our three-dimensional world.

Robert Charroux, an author, is presented with the idea that technological advancements like radio, nuclear energy, and rockets might be 're-discoveries' from a fourth dimension, where they existed for a time before disappearing and being found again. This theory suggests that our perception of invention is merely rediscovery.

The article "Betlehems stjärna: GLÄNS ÖVER SJÖ OCH STRAND..... Men var det en stjärna?" (The Star of Bethlehem: Shine Over Lake and Shore..... But was it a star?) posits that the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the wise men to Jesus' birthplace, could have been an unidentified flying object (UFO). It dismisses explanations like meteors or comets due to their inability to stop over a specific location. While a planetary conjunction (Kepler's theory of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury in 1603) is considered, modern calculations suggest it wasn't precise enough. A supernova is also discussed as a possibility due to its immense light, but the article leans towards a UFO explanation because a UFO could stop and hover as described in the biblical text. The author, Olle Öhman, suggests that such phenomena, whether guided or controlled, might be linked to the vast, unexplored fields of parapsychology and represent new realities waiting to be discovered.

Apollo Missions and Unexplained Events

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Apollo space missions, questioning the official accounts and highlighting unexplained incidents. An article titled "Oförklarlig explosion ombord på Apollo 13" (Unexplained explosion aboard Apollo 13) details the events of July 17, 1969, when the Soviet Luna 15 entered lunar orbit. It contrasts the sparse information from the Soviets with the extensive reporting on American missions, particularly Apollo 11. The article recounts the Apollo 11 mission, focusing on astronaut Edwin Aldrin's observations of Earth from space, where he described seeing islands and even cars. The author questions why Aldrin did not direct his telescope towards the Moon, given its proximity and the mission's trajectory, suggesting that information about the Moon might have been transmitted through a secret channel.

The article "Mystiskt föremål rammade Apollo 13" (Mysterious object rammed Apollo 13) revisits the Apollo 13 mission, stating that on April 13, 1970, the spacecraft experienced an unexplained explosion. Shortly before the incident, astronaut Fred Haise reported seeing mysterious luminous objects approaching the capsule, which then veered away. The magazine implies that Houston control was not entirely truthful about the events, suggesting that the 'invigda' (initiated) knew about these luminous objects. It also references a previous article from "Året Runt" magazine that mentioned astronauts sighting an unknown, brightly shining object that approached, veered away, and disappeared.

Another section, "Den hemliga kanalen avslöjar!" (The secret channel reveals!), discusses the Apollo 10 mission in May 1969. It claims that there are two radio channels between Houston and the Apollo capsules: a secret one and an official one. Through the secret channel, conversations were heard about unexplained phenomena that astronauts observed, described as "things up there" that completely lacked explanation. The article also touches upon Apollo 12, mentioning a November 1969 incident where observatories across Europe detected two strong, unknown lights near Apollo 12's orbit. Astronauts Pete Conrad, Dick Gordon, and Alan Bean reported seeing two 'bogeys' (unidentified objects) that moved with great speed and changed direction abruptly. The magazine notes that Houston control seemed baffled by these objects.

UFO Congress in Wiesbaden

The issue covers the international UFO congress held in Wiesbaden from September 29 to October 1. The congress was heavily influenced by Karl Veit, and press and television were excluded, focusing instead on 'contactees'. A Brazilian contactee described his experiences in a book titled "Achttägige Planetenreise 1958". The magazine notes that UFO organizations need strong leadership with business acumen to avoid losing public interest when focusing too heavily on contact experiences.

Notable presentations included: a Japanese delegation showcasing a pyramid-like temple for UFOs and images of UFOs participating in its inauguration; Oberstudienrat Karl Maier discussing cave paintings related to ancient UFO pathways, suggesting UFOs have traveled these routes since ancient times; and two lectures on new theories of gravitation and their application to UFO propulsion, presented by a geophysicist and a mathematician.

The audience was noted to be predominantly older women who viewed ufology as a form of salvation, with a lack of younger attendees, suggesting a need for UFO organizations to adapt their approach. Information was shared that pilots injured by UFOs are concentrated in Wiesbaden for specialized therapy, highlighting the importance of the UFO issue for aviation safety. The article speculates that the burns might be caused by plasma toroids, similar to those associated with UFOs.

Discussions also touched upon a strange pillar of non-rusting material near Bonn, which some believe dates back to Roman times, possibly related to structures described by Erich von Däniken. The author expresses a desire for UFO work to be conducted more openly, subject to critical scrutiny by the press and TV, citing the Finnish-language magazine "Gösta Malms" as an example of open UFO work.

UFO-Information's Future

An announcement regarding "UFO-Information" for 1973 details planned changes: an increase in pages per issue, experimentation with color printing, and a shift in publication schedule to a bi-monthly format starting in January 1973. The subscription price will increase to 36 SEK due to rising printing and postage costs. The magazine also announces a new collaboration with an American publication with a circulation of 3 million, promising more content from the USA.

Contact Cases and Research

Bjarne Håkansson's article in "UI nr 7/72" is discussed, advocating for the study of contact cases in UFO research, with certain reservations. These include ensuring all types of contact cases are considered, avoiding excessive publicity until solid evidence is available, and maintaining an objective, non-emotional approach to the study of contactee accounts. The article suggests that contact cases, while potentially negative for UFOs in mass media, can reveal truths about our reality and the solar system. It calls for serious, well-documented investigations of contactee claims, particularly those involving physical evidence, and laments the apparent lack of interest from contactees and their supporters in providing such documentation.

Anders Liliegren emphasizes that UFO research should extend beyond studying flying objects and contacts, suggesting that a comprehensive approach is needed. He questions whether contact research can truly reveal the motives for UFO visits and whether the claimed origins and motives are accurate. He concludes that contact cases are an important part of the UFO puzzle.

UFO-Sverige Emblem

An appeal is made for design submissions for a new emblem for the national organization UFO-Sverige. The emblem is intended for use on official stationery and materials. Readers are invited to submit their ideas and justifications to UFO-Sverige, C-gruppen, Box 311, 591 03 Motala 3.

New Publication: "DEN GLÖMDA CIVILISATIONEN (VIMAANA I)"

The magazine announces the release of "DEN GLÖMDA CIVILISATIONEN (VIMAANA I)" by Lehel Répits. This publication is described as a document about a great civilization that existed on Earth before "The Great Flood." It is illustrated, 52 pages, A4 format, and costs 20 SEK including postage. Orders should be addressed to UFO-Motala, Box 311, 591 03 Motala.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the limitations of human perception and conventional scientific understanding when faced with unexplained phenomena. The concept of the fourth dimension serves as a recurring explanatory framework for UFOs, unusual events, and even historical mysteries like the Star of Bethlehem. There is a clear skepticism towards official narratives, particularly concerning space missions, with implications of withheld information and cover-ups. The magazine promotes a more open, critical, and comprehensive approach to UFO research, valuing objective evidence and thorough documentation while acknowledging the potential significance of contactee experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of questioning established truths and exploring alternative explanations for phenomena that challenge our current worldview, often drawing parallels between scientific inquiry, historical accounts, and mystical interpretations.