UFO Information - 1973 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO INFORMATION
Issue: 4
Volume: 5
Date: July-August 1973
Publisher: Centralgruppen för Riksorganisationen UFO-SVERIGE
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

Key Articles and Features

Police Bluff: 'Weather Balloon' and 'Airplane' Remain Unidentified

This cover story highlights a police incident where unidentified aerial phenomena were initially dismissed as a weather balloon or airplane, but remained unidentified.

20-Year-Old UFO Case Aktualized Anew

The issue revisits a UFO case from twenty years prior. Chief pilot Ulf Christiersson and mechanic Olle Johansson encountered a flying saucer during a routine flight between Malmö and Stockholm in December 1953. While in their DC 3 at an altitude of 2,150 meters, they observed the object for 7-8 seconds. The object was approximately 600 meters below them and appeared as a 'silver-like' disc. Their report garnered significant attention in the press at the time. The magazine presents a retrospective look at this event near Hässleholm, with details found on page 2.

Troëng's New Book: 'Wildlings, The Result of Repeated "Deluges"'

This section announces and discusses a new book by Ivan Troëng, titled "HUR MÅNEN FÖDDES" (How the Moon Was Born), which is set to be released in September. The article presents a fragment from this book, focusing on historical perspectives of ancient civilizations and technology. Troëng suggests that ancient high cultures differed significantly from modern civilization, often being 'closed cultures' where knowledge was restricted. He posits that ancient peoples understood the potential danger of knowledge and kept it secret. The article contrasts this with modern society's open access to information, questioning whether this has led to true progress or merely to materialism and dissatisfaction. It also touches upon the idea that humanity might be enslaved by its machines and that a return to simpler, more harmonious societal structures could be beneficial.

5 Minutes' Holiday Chat with the UFO Base

This article features an interview with Carl-Axel Jonzon (CAJ), the responsible publisher of UFO-Information. CAJ recounts his busy summer, which included participating in UFO meetings in Visby (July 14th) organized by UFO-Gotland, and giving a lecture in Åbo, Finland (between July 13th and 15th). He describes the efficient arrangements made by the Finnish UFO enthusiasts and his subsequent trip with his family to Findhorn in Scotland.

Swedish Flyers Met Silver-Blank Craft in Lively Air Corridor 20 Years Ago

This article provides a detailed account of the 1953 sighting by pilots Ulf Christiersson and Olle Johansson. It reiterates that they were flying a Transair DC 3 between Malmö and Stockholm when they spotted the object. The craft was described as 'disc-shaped' and appeared to be two discs stacked together, with a metallic sheen. The pilots observed it from above, noting its incredible speed and lack of exhaust. The article explores various hypotheses considered at the time, including weather balloons, solar reflections, meteors, clouds, optical illusions, and foreign robots, ultimately concluding that the 'flying saucer' theory remains the most probable explanation, even twenty years later.

A Little 'Gallup' on Saucers

This section presents the results of an attitude survey conducted by UFO-Gotland at Säveskolan in Visby among 71 students (25 men, 46 women, aged 16-25). The survey asked about belief in extraterrestrial intelligence, familiarity with UFOs, belief in UFOs as alien craft, personal UFO experiences, and suspicion of government cover-ups. The results show a majority believe in extraterrestrial intelligence and are familiar with UFOs, but fewer believe they are alien craft. Only one person reported a personal UFO experience, while 16 suspected authorities of withholding information, primarily concerning the USA.

"Dark" Eras Were Often Carriers of High Cultures

This is a continuation of Ivan Troëng's thoughts from his book, discussing how ancient civilizations, even those considered 'primitive' or 'dark', possessed advanced knowledge that they kept secret. He contrasts this with modern society's open dissemination of technology, questioning its ultimate benefit and suggesting that humanity has become a slave to its machines. He advocates for a re-evaluation of societal development, focusing on human well-being rather than solely technological advancement.

Book Review: 'UFO-gåtan' by Bjarne Håkansson

This review discusses Bjarne Håkansson's book "UFO-gåtan" (The UFO Riddle), published by Robert Larsons förlag. The reviewer describes it as a relatively thin book suitable for beginners, covering basic UFO facts, types, and observer psychology. While acknowledging its accessibility, the reviewer critiques the interview format used in some sections, finding it repetitive. The reviewer praises Håkansson's personal accounts of his UFO experiences and the practical advice given to observers. The review also mentions the book's presentation of UFO-Sverige and its founder, Carl-Axel Jonzon.

Do We Need All Our Machines?

This article questions the reliance on technology in modern society. It contrasts this with the stability and harmony found in ancient Tibetan culture, where advanced technical devices were eventually abandoned. The author suggests that excessive technology can lead to materialism and dissatisfaction, advocating for a simpler, more harmonious societal structure that prioritizes human needs over technological advancement.

We Must Rediscover Our Roots!

This piece argues for the reintegration of religion and science, which were once unified in ancient civilizations. It criticizes the modern separation of these fields and calls for a deeper study of parapsychology and a revised understanding of human history to reconnect with the past and build a better future. It also touches upon the idea that the Sphinx might hold clues to the age of the Cheops pyramid.

Atlantis and Mu Catastrophes Tipped Earth's Axis

This article explores theories linking ancient catastrophes, such as those associated with Atlantis and Mu, to geological shifts, including the tilting of Earth's axis. It references ancient Egyptian zodiac depictions and the 'Egyptian Book of the Dead' to support the idea that these events caused significant changes, including the formation of seasons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the study of UFO phenomena, encouraging reader participation through reports and discussions. There is a strong emphasis on historical cases, particularly those from Sweden, and a critical examination of official explanations. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry into UFOs, while also exploring broader themes related to ancient civilizations, technology's impact on society, and the search for knowledge and truth. The publication aims to increase public understanding of UFO phenomena and related topics.

This issue of the magazine focuses on the "Finspång Report," a critical examination of UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings that occurred in Finspång, Sweden, on March 22, 1967. The report, authored by Jan-Ove Sundberg, challenges the official explanations provided by the authorities and presents detailed witness testimonies.

The Finspång Sightings

The primary focus is on two separate sightings by two women on the same evening.

Greta Palm's Observation

On Wednesday, March 22, 1967, around 5:00 PM, Greta Palm was walking home when she experienced a strange warmth and a light humming sound near a railway crossing. Looking up, she saw an object hovering silently at an altitude of approximately 25 meters. She described it as a peculiar, roughly 5-meter-diameter object, somewhat oval in shape, with a fluted or corrugated underside. She noted four light points on the underside, resembling car reversing lights in brightness and size. As she ran to her house, the object began to move and ascended, heading south at apparently increased speed. She observed it for about 3-4 minutes.

Greta Haglund's Observation

Later that evening, between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM (contrary to the police report which stated 6:15 PM), Greta Haglund was cycling home when she heard a whizzing sound and felt the air become heavy. She saw an oval, elongated object, about 1 to 1.5 meters in diameter, colored orange-yellow with a fiery emission trailing behind it, moving at an altitude of about 25 meters. The object moved west, passing her, and then descended towards the ground before making a sharp turn north and disappearing over Lake Dovern. She described it as not rotating or oscillating and noted the absence of smoke or smell, but a slight warmth.

Official Investigation and Explanations

Following these sightings, the Norrköping police were involved. Criminal assistants P.E. Thelin and K. Nyqvist interviewed Greta Palm on April 4, 1967. Their report suggested that the first object was a weather balloon blown in from Norway by strong winds, and the second was a small training aircraft from F 11 in Nyköping. This explanation was forwarded to the Defense Staff in Stockholm, who considered the case closed.

However, Jan-Ove Sundberg's own investigation, detailed in this report, disputes the police's findings. He claims the police made several errors and relied on unverified information, concluding that the objects must still be considered unidentified.

Meteorological Report

A supplementary report from a meteorologist at F 13 in Norrköping, K. Edström, attempted to explain the phenomena. For Greta Palm's sighting, the meteorologist suggested it was a weather balloon that may have become snagged on a tall pine tree near her house before continuing its flight. For Greta Haglund's sighting, the meteorologist initially stated the observation occurred around 6:15 PM and suggested it was a SAAB Safir training aircraft from F 11 Nyköping, which had taken off at 6:00 PM and flown towards Lake Vättern. The aircraft was described as yellow, with headlights and navigation lights on.

Critiques of Official Explanations

Sundberg systematically debunks these official explanations:

• Weather Balloon Theory: Greta Palm insists the object was metallic and solid, not a balloon. She also stated there was no visible line hanging from the object, and it remained stationary despite strong winds (14 m/s), which she found impossible for a balloon.
• Aircraft Theory: Greta Haglund strongly refutes the aircraft explanation. She emphasizes the time discrepancy, stating her sighting was between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM, not 6:15 PM. She also asserts that the object did not resemble any aircraft she had seen, noting its unusual speed and maneuverability. Furthermore, she denies seeing any trailing light or 'contrail' typical of high-altitude aircraft, describing instead a fiery emission. She also states that the meteorologist admitted he had no explanation for what she saw.

Support from Aircraft Expert

To further challenge the aircraft theory, Sundberg contacted the chief of F 11. The response indicated that flight plans were only archived for five years, making it difficult to verify the specific flight of a Sk 50 SAAB Safir on that date. However, the response also highlighted several points making the aircraft explanation unlikely: it was still light at the time of the sighting, the aircraft's engine noise should have been audible before the object was seen, and the aircraft's searchlights would have been directed downwards, implying a descent, which was not observed.

Other Cases

The Vidal Disappearance

The magazine also includes a case from March 1968 in Argentina. The Vidal couple, after a social visit, seemingly vanished for 48 hours. They reappeared disoriented, with no memory of the missing time. Their car also showed signs of unusual damage, with the paint on the roof disappearing as if from a blowtorch. The case is presented as a potential abduction scenario.

Mario Monteira da Silva's Abduction

Another account is from a sailor, Mario Monteira da Silva, who claims to have been aboard a UFO for about 50 hours. He describes being lifted by a light beam from his ship, the "Amapa," and encountering alien beings. He was returned to his ship after the experience.

Ecological Research from Space

In a separate section, the magazine discusses ecological research from space, detailing the use of advanced cameras on satellites to map the Earth. These cameras, developed by RCA, provide highly detailed images that can reveal diseases in crops and pollution sources. The technology allows for comprehensive mapping of the planet, with areas being re-photographed multiple times a year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the article is the skepticism towards official explanations for UFO phenomena and a strong belief in the need for thorough, unbiased investigation. The author, Jan-Ove Sundberg, positions himself as a critical investigator who meticulously analyzes witness accounts and official reports, often finding them lacking or deliberately misleading. The editorial stance clearly favors the possibility of unidentified aerial phenomena and criticizes authorities for dismissing UFOs as non-existent. The inclusion of the Vidal disappearance and the sailor's abduction further broadens the scope of unexplained events discussed, reinforcing the magazine's focus on the unexplained and the potential for extraterrestrial or unknown phenomena.

This issue of UFO-Information, dated January-February 1973, explores a wide range of topics from theoretical physics and philosophy to historical astronomy and meteorology, alongside a detailed UFO sighting report. The magazine's overarching theme seems to be an exploration of the unknown and the limits of current scientific understanding.

Thoughts on the Totality of Existence

The lead article, "Tankar kring tillvarons totalitet" (Thoughts on the Totality of Existence), delves into speculative physics and philosophy. It posits that the universe, even at the speed of light, is vast, making interstellar communication challenging. The author questions the nature of matter and energy, suggesting the existence of "parallel realities" that interpenetrate our own physical reality. These realities might share common space but possess different forms of matter and energy. The article draws a parallel to ancient concepts of humans being composed of multiple bodies (physical, soul, spirit) existing in different dimensions. It speculates on the possibility of non-physical bodies selectively moving within these parallel realities and the implications for communication and observation, suggesting that consciousness might perceive these phenomena more directly than instruments.

The article further explores the concept of "free energy" and its connection to space and matter, proposing that atoms are not just matter but also contain elements of will (energy) and consciousness (life). It suggests that these different realities form a hierarchy, with our physical universe being just one part. The author reflects on the limitations of current scientific paradigms, which may not accommodate phenomena beyond the scope of physical instruments and established theories.

Special Timekeeping for the Moon

A short piece titled "Speciell tidmätning för månen" (Special Timekeeping for the Moon) reports on a new timekeeping system developed by Soviet scientists. This system uses lunar and stellar days, hours, minutes, and seconds. Scientists at the Astronomical Main Observatory in Kiev have calculated the positions of 72 stars and Jupiter for a lunar year. The article mentions the emergence of a new scientific field called "selenodesy" (moon measurement) due to the unique conditions on the Moon, which differ significantly from Earth.

Probes Can Spread Contamination into the Universe

Another article, "Sonder kan föra smitta ut i universum" (Probes Can Spread Contamination into the Universe), discusses the necessity of sterilizing space probes. American researchers debated whether terrestrial organisms could survive space travel. A study by scientists Cyril Ponnamperuma and Peter Molton at the University of Maryland tested the resistance of various bacteria, including "escherichia coli B, serratia marcescens, aerobacter aerogens and bacillus subtilis," to simulated Jovian atmospheric conditions. The results indicated that a significant number of bacteria could withstand these extreme conditions and survive.

The English Father of Astronomy, Measured Venus's Passage Across the Sun

This section focuses on the life and work of Jeremiah Horrocks, an English astronomer. It highlights his early genius and his significant achievement: calculating and observing the transit of Venus across the sun's surface on November 24, 1639, using primitive instruments. This observation was crucial for determining distances within the solar system. The article details Horrocks' background, his education at Emanuel College, Cambridge, and his self-study of astronomy. Despite his short life (he died at 23), he made substantial contributions, including adjusting the accepted solar diameter and explaining the Moon's elliptical orbit and irregularities in its motion. His work was initially overlooked but later praised by Isaac Newton and William Herschel. A memorial plaque was eventually placed in Westminster Abbey in his honor.

Horrocks' observation of the Venus transit was a rare event, with previous observations in 1761 and 1769. The next predicted transit was for 2004. The article also mentions that Horrocks' work helped establish the scale of the solar system. His papers were saved by friends after his death and later published, with Christian Huygens playing a role in their dissemination.

Örebro Boys Saw a "Space Bus" Up Close

This article recounts a UFO sighting by two 15-year-old boys, Joakim Persson and Staffan Reveman, from Örebro, Sweden, on Good Friday, 1967. They described a large, metallic object, which they called a "space bus," hovering over a field near Lanna. The object was photographed, and the article includes an analysis of these photographs. The boys reported the object ascended rapidly and disappeared. Coincidentally, a power outage occurred in the Örebro area that evening, leading to speculation about a connection to the sighting.

A Chat About "The Masters of Weather"

This section features an interview with meteorologist G. Rystedt from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. He discusses various cloud types, including cirrus (high-altitude ice crystals), altostratus (low-level, gray cloud cover), and cumulus (towering clouds that can develop into cumulonimbus, leading to thunderstorms). Rystedt explains that cumulus clouds form due to rising warm air and can develop significantly on summer days, sometimes leading to showers. He also touches upon halo phenomena, which are colored rings around the sun caused by ice crystals in cirrus clouds, often indicating a change in weather.

The interview also covers the aurora borealis (northern lights), noting that it is a sign of clear weather and is preceded by sunspots. The frequency of auroras varies and is linked to solar activity. Regarding thunderstorms, Rystedt states they are most common in summer, particularly in July and August, when air masses are warmest and most unstable, especially over inland areas. He also briefly discusses ball lightning as a rare and poorly understood phenomenon that often occurs during thunderstorms.

Was it a UFO He Photographed?

This article details a UFO sighting by 14-year-old Joakim Persson from Skyttev Vemmerlöv, near Trelleborg, Sweden, in December of the previous year. Persson managed to photograph the object, which he described as a metallic flying saucer. The article presents four photographs analyzed by UFO-Information's photo experts. The object is described as disc-shaped with a slight dome. The analysis suggests the object was relatively close, and the photographs, taken with an Ektachrome High Speed film, show it in different positions. The experts conclude that, based on the evidence, it is likely a UFO, at least until further explanation is found.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, including UFOs, parallel realities, and the nature of consciousness. There's a strong emphasis on historical scientific achievements and the ongoing quest for knowledge, particularly in astronomy and meteorology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting speculative theories alongside factual reports and historical accounts, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond established paradigms. The publication aims to inform and provoke thought on mysteries of the universe and human existence.