UFO Information - 1973 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-INFORMATION
Issue: 2
Volume: 5
Date: March - April 1973
Publisher: Centralgruppen för Riksorganisationen UFO-SVERIGE
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring interviews, personal accounts, organizational news, and discussions on the scientific and societal implications of UFOs.

Key Articles and Features

Interview with Professor Tor Ragnar Gerholm

Professor Tor Ragnar Gerholm of Stockholm University's theoretical physics department discusses the challenges of integrating UFO research into mainstream science. He notes that UFO problems do not naturally fit into established scientific disciplines, making it difficult to obtain funding for such research. Despite these hurdles, Gerholm believes that UFO work has a future. He acknowledges Gösta Rehn's books and the Condon report, but points out that scientific research is often constrained by available resources, techniques, and theories. He suggests that while computers can help sort and analyze UFO reports, they do not inherently provide new knowledge but rather identify patterns and statistical significance within the data. Gerholm also touches upon the psychological aspects of UFO experiences, suggesting that observations might reveal more about the observers themselves.

"Twelve Small Men Disappeared in a Flash of Light"

This section recounts an extraordinary experience by Helge Eriksson from Mullhyttemo, Sweden, in the winter of 1931. While walking home late at night, Eriksson encountered approximately ten to twelve small, bearded men, described as being about knee-high, with dark complexions and wearing dark green outfits. They walked in a goose-step, speaking loudly in an unknown, human-like language. Eriksson, initially frightened, observed them closely under the moonlight. The men passed him at a short distance and walked towards a strange, blue-violet light emanating from a field, surrounded by a 'mist'. They disappeared into this light with a 'whizzing' sound. Eriksson noted a peculiar, strong, 'chemical' odor from the men that lingered. He has never forgotten the encounter and remains convinced of its reality.

"Mystical Giant Lights in Swedish Lakes"

This article explores the possibility that UFOs may be responsible for mysterious large lights observed in Swedish lakes. The phenomenon is described as a 'strange, blue-violet light' that enveloped an area, causing the small figures to vanish instantly.

"The World Cannot Be Conquered with Current Technology"

This piece discusses the limitations of current technology in space exploration, implying that advanced civilizations or phenomena might operate beyond our current understanding.

"Four Witnesses Observed a Cylinder-Shaped Object Over Köping"

This brief report details a sighting by four individuals who observed a cylinder-shaped object in Köping.

"Saturn's Moon May Have Intelligent Beings"

This short note speculates about the possibility of intelligent life on one of Saturn's moons.

"There is Still Another Giant Planet Near Earth"

This article discusses the potential existence of an undiscovered planet near Earth.

UFOs - A Scientific Debate

This section reviews a book published by Cornell University Press, edited by Carl Sagan and Thornton Page. The book features contributions from fifteen scientists who examine UFO phenomena, presenting theories and analyzing cases. The book is illustrated with photos, tables, and diagrams and is available in English.

Organizational News: UFO-Sverige

Report from the Planning Conference on March 17, 1973

Södertälje UFO-Center hosted a planning conference for UFO-Sverige. Key discussion points included the withdrawal of active UFO work by A. Liljegren and H. Blomqvist, who cited dissatisfaction with the formal structure of UFO-Sverige, drawing parallels to Jacques Vallée's critique of large UFO organizations. The conference also addressed the future of UFO-Sverige's reporting function, with UFO-Motala taking over as the central reporting unit. Radical changes to the reporting system were announced, though details were withheld due to ongoing sensitive negotiations. A significant discussion revolved around whether UFO work should prioritize research or information dissemination. The consensus leaned towards addressing the 'attitude problem' first – creating a positive acceptance of the phenomenon – before focusing on scientific research.

"Contact Groups" Reduce the C-Group's Workload

Discussions highlighted a need for better cooperation between geographically close UFO groups. A proposal was made to divide the country into sectors, each with a designated "contact group" responsible for local UFO activities and coordination. This aims to decentralize efforts and reduce the dominance of the central group (c-group).

Other Matters

• A new system for fundraising was introduced, including "special fund certificates" or "diplomas" to encourage voluntary contributions.
• Sten Lindgren reported on plans for a documentary film about UFOs.
• The conference approved an emblem for UFO-Sverige, designed by Lehel Répits.
• Carl-Axel Jonzon was appointed as the responsible publisher for UFO-Information.
• The next planning conference is tentatively scheduled for Linköping in May.

"Ghost Rockets" Research

UFO-Center in Jönköping has organized its activities into four sections: Investigation, Activities, PR, and Administration. The Investigation section focuses on following up and documenting UFO reports, including phenomena like the "ghost rockets" that appeared over Sweden in 1946-47. The magazine appeals to readers to help by visiting local newspapers and compiling information about these historical sightings.

Work Distribution within UFO-Center

The Jönköping UFO-Center has divided its work into four sections: Investigation (following up on reports, researching phenomena like ghost rockets), Activities (organizing events, managing the library, recruiting members), PR (promoting UFO interest, increasing circulation of UFO-Information), and Administration (handling finances, seeking donations, liaising with other groups). Suggestions for further activities include translating foreign articles and interviewing local authorities.

Finland's UFO Movement is Gaining Momentum

An interview with Gösta Malm reveals that Finland's UFO movement is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing frequency of UFO phenomena and effective information dissemination, particularly through their widely distributed magazine "UFO-Aika"/"UFO-Tid". Despite economic challenges, the Finnish organization is open to all possibilities, including extreme ones, and places significant emphasis on the "contact question."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of information dissemination and public awareness regarding UFO phenomena. There's a clear tension between the desire for scientific validation and the often anecdotal nature of UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and discussion while acknowledging the difficulties in fitting UFOs into conventional scientific paradigms. The organization UFO-Sverige is portrayed as striving for a more decentralized and effective operational model. The issue highlights the ongoing debate about UFO research methodology, with a leaning towards fostering a receptive public attitude as a prerequisite for future scientific investigation. The magazine also covers a range of UFO-related topics, from historical sightings to potential extraterrestrial intelligence and technological limitations.

This issue of UFO-Sweden, titled "Mystiska Jättevakar i Svenska Sjöar Kan Ha Åstadkommits av UFOs" (Mysterious Giant Wakes in Swedish Lakes Can Have Been Caused by UFOs), delves into a series of unexplained phenomena primarily centered around large, anomalous holes and wakes appearing in Swedish lakes. The magazine presents a collection of cases, interviews, and analyses, exploring potential extraterrestrial involvement while also acknowledging scientific skepticism and other paranormal topics.

Commentary on Faster-Than-Light Travel

The issue begins with a commentary discussing the concept of faster-than-light travel and its implications. Professor Gerholm is quoted, expressing skepticism about the possibility of keeping such phenomena secret if they were real, citing the public's strong interest in such news and the potential for whistleblowers. He believes that even if a government tried to conceal extraterrestrial contact, it would be practically impossible due to public curiosity and the potential for significant rewards.

A letter from Per-Erik Heden to UFO-Sverige critiques a previous article in UFO-Information (No. 7, 1972) regarding the speed of light. Heden, citing information from Professor Gunnar Larsson-Leander, argues that a statement about electromagnetic fields moving at 600,000 km/s after a supernova explosion was a misinterpretation. It was not a speed but a distance related to the 'velocity of light radius' around rotating neutron stars. The article explains that beyond this radius, plasma no longer rotates as a solid body, and its speed is less than light, aligning with relativity theory. Endean and Allen's article is mentioned as contributing to theories about radiation from pulsars.

Giant Wakes in Swedish Lakes

The main focus of the magazine is the investigation of mysterious giant wakes and holes in Swedish lakes, with a strong implication of UFO activity.

Case Studies:

• Kolmjärv, Norrbotten (July 20, 1946): A two-meter long projectile fell into the lake. Military personnel searched the lake but found nothing unusual.
• Glan, Östergötland (July 9, 1946): Witnesses saw a fireball descend into the lake.
• Ramsjön, Hälsingland (July 11, 1946): Several people observed a 'fireball' fall into the lake.
• Near Bohuslän Coast (August 1946): Three men witnessed a 'glowing projectile' descend into the sea, rotating at high speed. Two more objects followed.
• Røros, Norway (August 1947): A grey-blue, aluminum-gleaming object descended into a lake. A local official, Bernhard Solli, observed it. Despite investigations, no traces were found.
• Wanaque Dam, New Jersey, USA (January 11, 1966): A disk-shaped object hovered over the dam, directing two yellow beams at the ice, creating four perfectly formed holes, each 10 meters in circumference. Authorities offered no explanation.
• Upprämen, Dalarna (April 1, 1968): A giant hole, approximately 500 square meters, appeared in the ice. The incident involved the police and the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOA). The cause remained a mystery.
• Hedefjorden, Dalarna (after Upprämen incident): A new giant wake, about 375 square meters, was found. Divers reported the lakebed under the hole was 'smooth as a floor'. An ice block 10 meters in diameter was found nearby.
• Sälgsjön (1970): A red-brown liquid covered an area of about 100 square meters on the ice, near a hole approximately 3 decimeters in diameter. Samples were sent to FOA for analysis, but the agency denied conducting analyses, though a newspaper suggested it might be related to an Apollo 13 fuel tank.
• Svartacksen, Dalarna (January 7, 1973): Hans Eskils discovered a large, frozen-over wake with mud thrown onto the ice. A crater was found at the bottom of the 2-meter deep hole. A nearby light phenomenon was also reported.
• Långsjön, Dalarna (early January 1973): Fabrikör Pellas Arthur Olsson found a six-meter diameter wake surrounded by mud. Ice fragments were scattered around the hole.

Investigation and Official Response:

The magazine highlights that in many cases, military or scientific agencies like FOA were involved, but official explanations were often lacking or withheld from the public. The lack of transparency fuels speculation about UFO involvement. The article questions why FOA did not analyze the red-brown substance found at Sälgsjön, suggesting it might have been classified information.

Other Paranormal Phenomena

Beyond the lake incidents, the issue touches upon other unexplained phenomena:

• Psychic Phenomena: The article "Osynliga Väsen Rör Sig Ständigt Mitt I Bland De Levandes Skara" (Invisible Beings Move Constantly Amidst the Living) discusses the concept of spirits or 'invisible beings' existing in a different dimension. Michel Aldison Brooke proposes that these phenomena are non-physical, like 'gas', and that children are more susceptible to experiencing them due to their open minds. The article mentions cases of materialized spirits and the work of spiritualists.
• Psychokinesis, Telepathy, and Psychometry: A section titled "Mössa berättade om soldats död" (A Cap Told of a Soldier's Death) categorizes paranormal abilities into psychokinesis (moving objects with the mind), telepathy (thought transference), and psychometry (gaining information from objects). A case is described where a medium, Maria Reyes, used a soldier's cap to recount the circumstances of his death.
• "Transparent" Doctor: The case of Lieutenant Wellesley Tudor Pole is recounted, who was allegedly healed by a transparent doctor in Egypt. The doctor, described as wearing a thick London suit despite the heat, was invisible to Pole's servants.
• Mars Exploration: A brief mention is made of the Mariner 9 satellite creating a detailed map of Mars, with plans for future unmanned landings in 1976 to study the planet's composition and search for signs of life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently leans towards the interpretation that UFOs are a plausible explanation for the mysterious lake phenomena, despite acknowledging the need for scientific skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained events, particularly those with potential extraterrestrial connections. The recurring theme is the inadequacy of conventional explanations for these unusual occurrences and the public's fascination with the unknown. The issue encourages readers to consider possibilities beyond mainstream scientific understanding, highlighting numerous cases that defy easy explanation and suggesting a pattern of unexplained events linked to potential aerial or extraterrestrial craft.

Title: UFO-Information
Issue: 2/73
Publisher: UFO-Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: FYRA VITTNEN JAKTTOG CYLINDERFORMAT OBJEKT ÖVER KÖPING (Four Witnesses Observed a Cylinder-Shaped Object Over Köping)

Article: Klockan sjönk ihop och förflyttade sig (The Clock Collapsed and Moved)

This article recounts a fascinating UFO sighting. The inner part of a clock-like object appeared filled with thousands of luminous particles exhibiting rapid, erratic movements, described as "terrible nervousness." This phenomenon reached its peak intensity, illuminating the landscape with a blinding light comparable to an extremely strong flash of lightning. The witness, Herbosch, experienced no heat or smell and felt paralyzed by fear. Subsequently, the object seemed to "collapse and empty" before returning to its original form as a patch of light by the roadside. The light then began to move low to the ground, disappearing to the northwest near a villa under construction. Herbosch, shaken, fled to his car and informed his cousin and friends.

Article: Några liknande fenomen har inträffat (Some Similar Phenomena Have Occurred)

Following Herbosch's account, his witnesses were visibly shaken. The next morning, Herbosch and his cousin returned to the site but found no traces of the event. Herbosch, described as a calm and balanced individual, was 30 years old at the time of the incident. His interviews were clear and precise, as if he were recounting a film he saw internally. The article suggests this event is unlike typical UFO cases but notes similarities to phenomena in Aveyron, France, where luminous balls were seen, and in Anderlues in 1937, where a man encountered a hovering luminous sphere.

Article: VÄRLDSRYMDEN KAN EJ ERÖVRAS MED NUVARANDE TEKNIK (Outer Space Cannot Be Conquered With Current Technology)

This section features insights from Thomas Gold, chief of Cornell University's radio-physical department. Gold questions the necessity and feasibility of manned space programs, citing the high costs, risks (like Apollo 13), and recent Soviet cosmonaut fatalities. He doubts humanity's ability to endure long periods in zero gravity, noting that after the 18-day Soyuz 9 mission, the cosmonauts required extensive recovery, being unable to stand or walk for weeks.

Allvarliga medicinska rubbningar! (Serious Medical Disturbances!)

Gold identifies three critical problems caused by weightlessness:
1. Blood Volume Reduction: A significant decrease in blood volume occurs early in weightlessness, leading to dehydration and extreme fatigue. There is no known treatment to restore blood volume.
2. Organ and Nerve Function: Imbalances in the sodium-potassium balance, which controls nerve function, can lead to organ damage and affect brain and muscle function.
3. Bone Demineralization: The skeletal system loses calcium because it is not subjected to the stress of gravity. This makes bones brittle and leads to increased calcium excretion through the kidneys, potentially causing kidney stones.

Gold: Ge upp rymdprogrammet - låt instrumenten klara saken! (Gold: Give up space programs - let the instruments do the job!)

Gold proposes that the solution to these challenges, including propulsion technology, lies in developing technology that can overcome or simulate gravitational force, a concept currently confined to science fiction. He believes that instruments can perform scientific research more effectively and safely than humans in space. He also suggests that NASA might be more focused on its own survival than on genuine space research, potentially shifting towards more publicly appealing ventures at the expense of serious research.

Article: Gigantiskt tekniskt genombrott krävs (A Gigantic Technical Breakthrough is Required)

The article posits that space exploration has reached a dead end with current technology. The fundamental principles of rocketry, developed by Dr. Herman Oberth in the 1920s, have seen only incremental improvements in engines and fuels. Despite advancements in instrumentation and technology, the basic systems are still derived from German V2 rockets. The conclusion is that conquering space with current human capabilities is impossible without a major technological leap. The article calls for a fresh start in science and fundamental research.

Article: USA-Sovjet ingår samarbete (USA-Soviet Union Enters Cooperation)

This section reports on an agreement between the USA and the Soviet Union for space cooperation, signed in May 1972. The agreement includes a joint space mission scheduled for July 10, 1975, involving the Soviet Salyut space station, a Soyuz spacecraft, and an American Apollo spacecraft. Three cosmonauts and three astronauts will dock their spacecraft in orbit and spend approximately two days together. The agreement is emphasized as being for peaceful space research, excluding spy satellites or offensive weapon systems.

The article notes the surprisingly short lead time for this agreement, starting with a visit by American experts to Moscow in October 1970. It also highlights that both superpowers recognize the immense cost of independent manned missions and the necessity of cooperation to reach destinations like Mars. The launch dates are set: Salyut on July 10, 1975, Soyuz on July 13, and Apollo on July 14.

Article: FYRA VITTNEN JAKTTOG CYLINDERFORMAT OBJEKT ÖVER KÖPING (Four Witnesses Observed a Cylinder-Shaped Object Over Köping)

This article details a UFO sighting on Sunday, March 11, 1973, at 10:02 AM in Köping, Sweden. Four witnesses at the NH3-fabriken Supra observed a strange, cylinder-shaped object moving silently over the town. Operator Thorvald Berthelsen, 34, was the first to see it, initially mistaking it for an airplane due to its shine. He called his colleague, Karl-Göran Anré, and foreman Hultman. The object was described as cylinder-shaped with rounded edges, moving horizontally with the front slightly downward. It ascended slowly, became smaller, and disappeared near the moon. No protruding parts were visible. The object had a distinct, shimmering color, like new aluminum, and reflected sunlight strongly. The sky was clear, with a temperature of six degrees Celsius and a north wind of about ten meters per second.

Utredning avskriver helt flygplansteorin (Investigation Completely Dismisses Airplane Theory)

Thorvald Berthelsen, who is also UFO-Sweden's contact person in Köping, conducted a thorough investigation. He confirmed with the Swedish Air Force (F1 Västerås) that no aircraft activity occurred over Köping at that time. The weather department reported a north wind of seven meters per second. An inquiry to the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration regarding aircraft over Köping on March 11, 1973, revealed a Fokker Friendship aircraft passing at approximately 10:08-10:09 AM, at 454 km/h and an altitude of 5,200 meters. However, the observed object's speed was estimated to be around 100 km/h, and its passage over Köping from horizon to horizon would have taken about 16 minutes at an altitude of 5,000 meters. The theory of a large, gas-filled plastic bag was also dismissed due to the object's characteristics. Based on the consistent witness accounts and Berthelsen's investigation, the object remains classified as a UFO.

An addendum clarifies that the initial time of observation was based on an electric clock that was later found to be four minutes fast. Berthelsen has a written statement from the workshop manager confirming this.

Article: 1977 ÄR ÅRET DÅ HELA VÄRLDEN HÅLLER ANDAN - SATURNUSMÅNE KAN HA INTELLIGENTA VARELSER (1977 IS THE YEAR THE WHOLE WORLD HOLDS ITS BREATH - SATURN'S MOON MAY HAVE INTELLIGENT BEINGS)

This article discusses a report by American astronomer Carl Sagan and a group from Cornell University, presented to NASA. They have made a significant discovery regarding Saturn's moon Titan. Titan is described as being the size of Mercury and orbiting Saturn at a distance ten times farther from the sun than Earth. The report suggests that Titan has a temperature similar to Earth's and a significantly denser atmosphere. NASA has plans to land scientific probes on Titan in 1977, raising the possibility of contact with "others" that year.

Article: SENSATIONELL ASTRONOMISK OBSERVATION: DET FINNS ÄNNU EN JÄTTEPLANET NÄRA JORDKLOTET (SENSATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATION: THERE IS STILL A GIANT PLANET NEAR EARTH)

Astronomer Peter van de Kamp has reportedly discovered a giant planet orbiting between Earth and the sun. This new planet is invisible from Earth and is estimated to be six times larger than Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. Scientists are hesitant to classify it due to its immense size. The article notes that this celestial body is unlikely to harbor life, which is presented as a disappointing fact for researchers.

Article: FLYING OBJECT AGENCY

This section features a satirical comic strip involving "Target Eriksson" from the "Flying Object Agency." In the comic, Target Eriksson is reprimanded by his chief for his performance on a TV program about UFOs, where he apparently presented a "Reflex Balloon" as a UFO. The chief implies that the agency's existence depends on maintaining secrecy about UFOs. Target Eriksson is given the option of early retirement with a substantial pension or seeking new employment. He defiantly states he will never give up and will seek new work.

Article: DOKUMENTÄRFILM OM UFO KLAR REDAN I HÖST OM FINANSIERINGSFRÅGAN KAN LÖSAS (Documentary Film About UFOs Ready by Autumn If Financing Can Be Solved)

Stockholm's IGF group is developing a documentary film about UFO phenomena, intended as a co-production between Sweden, Norway, and Finland. The film will cover historical and current UFO observations, UFO films and photos, statistics, and information on UFO organizations. It will be 20-25 minutes long and include a study booklet. The film will be shot in super-8 color with sound and later transferred to 16mm format. IGF is seeking financial support and material contributions. The article states that if financing is secured quickly, the film could be ready by autumn.

Other Sections:

• UFO-SVERIGES Centralgrupp: Announcements about appointing district chiefs and seeking individuals for field investigations and press monitoring. Contact information for UFO-Sverige is provided.
• JÄTTE-AFFISCH (Giant Poster): An advertisement for a large poster (100x70 cm) for sale at 10 SEK.
• NY ADRESS FÖR UFO-RAPPORTER! (New Address for UFO Reports!): UFO-Sveriges Centralgrupp has a new address for reports and investigations starting April 1973.
• I MAJ utkommer 3:dje upplagan av HENRY KJELLSONS UTOMORDENTLIGT INTRESSANTA BOK FORNTIDENS TEKNIK (In May, the 3rd edition of Henry Kjellson's extraordinarily interesting book 'Technology of the Ancients' will be published): This book proposes that ancient cultures possessed advanced technology, citing examples like radioactive material in Noah's Ark and reaction-driven aircraft in Ezekiel's time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, the limitations of current human technology for space exploration, and the potential for extraterrestrial life or advanced ancient civilizations. There is a critical stance towards the feasibility and necessity of current manned space programs, advocating for a greater reliance on technology and instruments. The publication also highlights international cooperation in space and promotes UFO research and information dissemination through various channels, including films and reports. The tone is generally investigative and speculative, with a clear interest in unexplained phenomena and future possibilities in space and technology.