UFO Information - 1973 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-INFORMATION
Issue: No. 5, Volume 5
Date: September-October 1973
Publisher: Centralgruppen för Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, featuring witness accounts, analysis of official handling of reports, and reflections on the nature of UFO research.

Articles and Features

UFO-INFORMATION: Så har tidningen utvecklats (How the magazine has developed)

This section likely provides a brief overview of the magazine's history and evolution, though specific details are not elaborated on the cover.

FOA helt passiv – UFO-rapporter läggs undan i pärmarna! (FOA completely passive – UFO reports are put away in binders!)

This is a central theme of the issue, highlighting the perceived inaction of the Swedish Defence Research Establishment (FOA) regarding UFO reports. The article interviews Tage Eriksson, Head of Department 2:s Institution for Technical Service at FOA. Eriksson explains that while FOA registers and archives UFO reports, they do not actively collect them or conduct in-depth studies due to a lack of resources, time, and interest. He states that FOA's role is to file reports ('stoppa rapporterna i pärmar') and that they only engage in further investigation for cases with undisputed facts concerning aircraft or robots, not for UFOs specifically. He also mentions that a previous defense staff department for 'sound and light phenomena' has been discontinued. The article touches upon the historical context of air surveillance and the shift in focus after WWII. Eriksson suggests that while FOA is not entirely dismissive of cooperation, their primary mandate and funding do not allow for extensive UFO research. He also notes that the UFO expert group at FOA includes psychologists and photographers, and that their role is primarily to ascertain if a craft is from outer space, not to handle potential 'countermeasures'.

Lindbergh avslöjar: Jag fick hjälp av vänliga "Fantom er" (Lindbergh reveals: I received help from friendly "Phantoms")

This article features an account attributed to Charles Lindbergh, suggesting he received assistance from non-human entities, referred to as "Phantoms." The details of this encounter are not fully elaborated on the cover, but it points towards a more personal and perhaps controversial aspect of UFO experiences.

Datorerna löser inga UFO-gåtor! (Computers solve no UFO riddles!)

Written by Kjell Jonsson, this article critically examines the idea of using computers for UFO data analysis. Jonsson argues that modern technology, while increasing knowledge, can also lead to a decrease in individual intelligence and critical thinking, turning people into a "docile, grey mass." He views the suggestion of computerizing UFO reports as an "overblown" idea stemming from an "over-ambition" that will eventually "burst." He points out that the number of significant UFO cases in Sweden (8-10 per year after filtering) is too small to justify extensive computer analysis. More importantly, he contends that computers cannot determine the existence, origin, or intentions of UFOs. He believes that human insight and direct intervention are necessary, and that the psychological aspects of UFO sightings are paramount, something current Swedish equipment cannot measure.

Flera UFO-observationer nära SAAB-SCANIAS flygfält (Several UFO observations near SAAB-SCANIAS airfield)

This section details multiple UFO sightings in the vicinity of the SAAB-SCANIAS airfield near Linköping, Sweden. One notable incident occurred on April 17th, where four people observed a small, shiny object hovering over a forest. The object emitted a loud whistling sound and displayed bright, glittering upper and lower surfaces before moving away at high speed. The article also includes accounts from factory owner Edvin Mahrs and his wife, who have reported previous observations at the same location since 1954. Mahrs describes a large, disc-shaped object hovering silently at an altitude of about 75 meters, with a diameter of approximately 25 meters. He observed it move away at extreme speed. Another sighting by Mahrs involved a cigar-shaped object with multi-colored lights. The article suggests that these sightings are significant and unique.

Klot med tänder "skrämdes" av blixt (Sphere with teeth "got scared" by flash)

This article recounts an incident involving Fru Elinor Rohlin in Örebro, Sweden. She observed a large, cherry-colored sphere with a bright white light nearby. The sphere approached her balcony, stopping about 2 cm from the railing. When she took a picture with a flash, the object appeared to have two large rings and what looked like rows of "teeth" or "hatches." The "teeth" reportedly scattered when the flash occurred. The object was described as being about the width of the balcony (2.25 meters). The photograph, though taken in color, was not of high enough quality for reproduction, so a drawing was made based on the witness's description.

Röd ellips med rörligt klot över Köping (Red ellipse with moving sphere over Köping)

This report details an observation by Birgitta Mårtensson and her parents in Köping, Sweden, on the evening of September 19, 1973. Birgitta first saw a luminous, round object that appeared red-yellow and moved erratically. Her father, Ing. Rainer Mårtensson, observed it through binoculars and described it as an elliptical object, tilted at a 45-degree angle, with a red sphere detaching and reattaching from its lower end. The object changed color to white and disappeared by 11:00 PM. Her mother, Fru Ingrid Mårtensson, described it as a large, bright star.

Norskt UFO-Center letar efter UFO i Djupsjön vid Röros i Norge (Norwegian UFO-Center searches for UFO in Djupsjön near Röros in Norway)

This article discusses the renewed efforts by the Norwegian UFO-Center to investigate an alleged UFO landing in Djupsjön lake near Röros in 1945. Two witnesses reported an egg-shaped object with half-moon fins landing in the lake and floating for about 30 minutes before disappearing. The center had previously investigated in 1968 with negative results but is now using more advanced equipment. Sonar detected an anomaly on the lakebed, which turned out to be a stone formation. The article notes the unlikelihood of finding the craft after so many years but highlights the ongoing PR value and potential for the investigation to provide evidence of extraterrestrial activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and direct observation in UFO research, often expressing skepticism towards purely technological or computer-based analysis. There is a clear theme of official institutions, like FOA, being perceived as passive or uncooperative in investigating UFO phenomena. The publication serves as a platform for sharing diverse UFO accounts and fostering a community of interested individuals, encouraging readers to report their own sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, advocating for a deeper understanding of its psychological and potentially non-conventional aspects.

Key Persons and Organizations

Key Persons: Olle Öhman, Jan Lind, Carl-Axel Jonzon, Kjell Jonsson, Edvin Mahrs, Fru Rohlin, Birgitta Mårtensson, Rainer Mårtensson, Ingrid Mårtensson, T. Berthelsen, Ingvar Damm, Tage Eriksson.

Organizations: UFO-INFORMATION, ARBETSGRUPPEN FÖR UFOLOGI, UFO-SVERIGE, FOA, SAAB-SCANIAS, Norsk UFO-center.

Locations Mentioned

Linköping (Sweden), Hackefors Cementfabrik (Sweden), Köping (Sweden), Djupsjön (Norway), Röros (Norway), Gotland (Sweden), Vargön (Sweden), Gardemoen (Norway), Finspång (Sweden), Härnösand (Sweden), Kaskadbergen (USA), Veddige (Sweden), Motala (Sweden).

Object Characteristics

Shape: Disc, cigar-shaped, spherical, elliptical.
Color: Cherry-colored, red, yellow, violet, white, grey-blue.
Size Estimate: Approx. 25 meters in diameter, 3-4 times larger than a plane at the same height.
Behavior: Hovering, moving slowly, moving with great speed, erratic movement (zig-zag).
Speed Estimate: High speed.
Altitude Estimate: Approx. 75 meters, approx. 300 meters.
Electromagnetic Effects: Strong whistling sound, bright white light.
Physical Trace Evidence: None mentioned.

Themes and Tags

Themes: UFO Sightings, UFO Research, Government Secrecy, Technological Analysis, Witness Testimonies.

Tags: UFO, unidentified flying objects, Sweden, Norway, 1973, SAAB-Scania, Linköping, FOA, witness accounts, research, technology, computers, observations, reports, magazine.

Key Incidents

• April 17, 1973, Linköping, Sweden: Four people observed a small, shiny object hovering over a forest near Hackefors Cementfabrik, which then moved rapidly eastward.
• 1945, Djupsjön, Röros, Norway: An egg-shaped object with half-moon fins landed in Djupsjön lake and was observed floating for half an hour before disappearing.
• September 19, 1973, Köping, Sweden: A luminous, round object that changed to elliptical and was red-yellow was observed by multiple witnesses, with a red sphere detaching and reattaching.
• Undated, Örebro, Sweden: Fru Elinor Rohlin observed a large, cherry-colored sphere with two rings and "teeth" that was photographed with a flash.
• 1947, Kaskadbergen, USA: American pilot Arnold reported encountering disc-shaped objects over the Cascade Mountains.

Notable Quote

"Vi måste alla inse att vårt synfält begränsas av våra sinnesorgans förmåga att uppfånga intryck. Anta att det i vår värld finns människor som endast kan se horisontellt: den beskrivning av verkligheten de skulle kunna lämna oss, måste ju te sig mycket bristfällig, rentav osannolik. Ja, man skulle knappast känna igen sig."

Speaker: Kjell Jonsson

FAQ

Q: What is the role of FOA regarding UFO reports in Sweden?
A: FOA (Defence Research Establishment) receives UFO reports but maintains a passive role, filing them away without conducting deeper studies due to a lack of resources, time, or interest. They only commit to further investigation if a case involves undisputed facts about a flying object, robot, or plane.

Q: Are computers useful for UFO research according to this magazine?
A: The article "DATORERNA LÖSER INGA UFO-GATOR!" argues that computers are not beneficial for UFO research. It suggests that the limited number of significant cases (8-10 per year after filtering) does not warrant complex data processing, and that the core issues are psychological rather than mathematical.

Q: What notable UFO sightings are reported in this issue?
A: This issue reports several sightings, including a UFO near SAAB-SCANIAS airfield in Linköping, a red elliptical object with a sphere over Köping, a cherry-colored sphere observed by Fru Rohlin in Örebro, and a historical case from Norway involving an object landing in a lake.

Q: Does UFO-Sverige collaborate with official institutions like FOA?
A: Tage Eriksson from FOA indicates a willingness to cooperate with UFO groups if the intentions are serious, but emphasizes that his role is not to handle UFO matters and that FOA's work is dependent on allocated funding and resources.

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION, dated 1974, is a Swedish publication focused on UFO phenomena, aviation history, and related topics. The cover features a striking headline about phantom-like entities assisting Charles Lindbergh on his historic transatlantic flight, hinting at the magazine's blend of factual reporting and speculative content. The issue includes advertisements for books on alchemy and UFO observation, as well as for UFO-related literature and book lists.

Editorial and Publication Growth

The magazine details its own growth and the expansion of its parent organization, UFO-Sverige. Starting in 1969 with a modest print run of 30 copies, UFO-INFORMATION had reached 1350 copies by 1974. This growth necessitated significant investments in printing equipment, including a modern offset press (Rotaprint A3), a folder, an electric stapler, a plate machine, a developing machine, an addressing machine, and an IBM typewriter with a type ball for changing fonts. The magazine's editorial team has expanded, with a focus on translating and publishing material from international UFO organizations and publications. The publication's strategy is to distribute the magazine only to members, thereby avoiding VAT and other taxes.

Key Articles and Reports

Lindbergh's Transatlantic Flight and Phantom Encounters

A prominent article recounts Charles Lindbergh's 1927 solo flight across the Atlantic. Lindbergh himself described unusual experiences during the flight, perceiving "phantoms" – indistinct, transparent figures – in the cockpit. He described them as friendly entities that communicated with him, offering technical advice and reassurance. Lindbergh pondered whether he was more human or spirit at that moment, and whether he would continue to live in the physical world or join these ethereal beings. The article also references similar experiences reported by other individuals, such as Hermann Buhl, who claimed to be accompanied by strange beings during his ascent of Nanga Parbat.

UFO Sightings in Sweden

The issue features several reports of alleged UFO sightings within Sweden:

• Vargön, September 1959: Sten Andersson, a smelter worker, observed a large, zeppelin-like object with a faint glow that moved slowly and emitted different colored lights, including a violet light from a glug. He estimated its size to be twice that of an airplane.
• Vargön, February 1961: Andersson again witnessed a phenomenon described as "three connected footballs with gaps" moving rapidly across the sky. This sighting lasted about three minutes.
• Southern Gotland, August 1970: Three anonymous witnesses reported seeing a metallic, tank-lock-shaped object with a dome hovering about 150 meters above a field. The object moved slowly against the wind, ruling out balloon theories. The witnesses described it as intelligently controlled and potentially a flying saucer.

UFO Research and Organization

An interview with Tage Eriksson suggests that official research into UFOs by state authorities is minimal. The article emphasizes the responsibility of UFO organizations to systematically collect and organize their materials for future scientific analysis. It highlights the importance of specialized publications like UFO-Information to cater to the growing public interest in the "supernatural."

Space Exploration: Skylab

The magazine also includes a section on space exploration, focusing on the Skylab space station. It mentions the successful Apollo 17 moon mission and the subsequent Soviet moon rover. The article details Skylab's mission to study the effects of prolonged weightlessness on astronauts, with crews spending up to 56 days in orbit. It notes that Skylab is NASA's most complex space project to date, involving numerous scientific experiments, including solar observation and testing new equipment for space travel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION reflects a strong commitment to documenting and disseminating information about UFO phenomena, particularly within Sweden. The magazine positions itself as a vital resource for those interested in the "supernatural" and "extraterrestrial" topics, aiming to provide both factual reports and analyses. There is an underlying theme of the need for systematic data collection and scientific investigation, even as official research remains limited. The publication also demonstrates an interest in broader scientific and technological advancements, as seen in the coverage of space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards UFO theories, while also acknowledging the challenges of proving such phenomena scientifically. The growth of the magazine and its parent organization suggests a significant and sustained public interest in these subjects in Sweden during the early 1970s.

Title: UFO-Information
Issue: nr 2, 1973
Publisher: UFO-Information
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: BUDSKAP FRÅN RYMDEN TILL VÄRLDENS HÄRSKARE (Message from Space to the Rulers of the World)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Skylab: A Bold Venture into Space

The issue begins with a detailed look at the Skylab space station, a ambitious project involving a crew of three astronauts. The initial mission aimed for them to stay in orbit for 28 days, with subsequent crews extending their stays to 56 days, totaling an eight-month endeavor. Skylab's construction is described as a modular system, including the Orbital Work Shop (OWS), Airlock Module (AM), and the Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM). The station, weighing 59 tons and measuring 25 meters long, features large solar panel 'wings'. The article highlights the complex process of assembling Skylab in orbit, involving multiple rocket launches and precise docking maneuvers.

Health Risks of Space Travel

Following the initial Skylab mission, concerns arose regarding the health impacts of prolonged spaceflight. The first astronauts on Skylab set a record for endurance in space, but upon their return, medical reports indicated significant physiological changes. Dr. Joseph Kerwin, one of the astronauts, experienced heart issues due to the strain of readjusting to gravity after 28 days in weightlessness. The astronauts' leg muscles had atrophied more than anticipated, attributed to fluid redistribution in the body. While immediate effects were manageable, there was uncertainty about long-term consequences, necessitating preventive measures for future missions.

The High Cost of Space Exploration and Potential Setbacks

The Skylab project faced significant challenges, including damage during its launch. A protective shield was dislodged, which was meant to protect against micrometeoroids and reflect solar radiation. This damage led to concerns that the project might be a failure, with estimates suggesting that equipping and launching a sister craft to Skylab could cost around 400 million dollars.

Silas Newton and the 'Flying Saucer' Phenomenon

The magazine features an account from geophysicist Silas Newton, who recounts his encounter with unidentified flying objects in 1947 near Elk Mountain, Wyoming. He described a silent formation of 23 objects moving at approximately 200 km/h, which he later termed 'flying saucers.' Newton's interest was primarily driven by the question of how these craft achieved flight. His experience is presented as a pivotal moment in the history of UFO observation.

Eugenio Siragusa: A Message from Extraterrestrials

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Eugenio Siragusa, an Italian customs officer who claimed to have had two telepathic encounters with extraterrestrials in 1962. During these encounters, Siragusa was given a message intended for the world's leaders, urging them to cease atomic experiments and promote peace. He reportedly shared this message with prominent figures like the Pope, de Gaulle, Kennedy, and Khrushchev, though only de Gaulle acknowledged it. Siragusa also described meeting two extraterrestrial beings, approximately 2.15 meters tall, who wore metallic suits and emitted a strong light. He also described their spacecraft as a 25-meter diameter disk.

Alternative Propulsion and Universal Energy

Siragusa's second extraterrestrial message introduced the concept of 'vortex energy' as the key to space travel, contrasting it with linear propulsion. This concept is linked to ancient knowledge, including Pythagorean principles and the 'swastika' symbol, which is described as representing the forces in motion. The magazine suggests that this 'vortex energy' is the basis for antigravity and provides a means of achieving high speeds in space without resistance. The extraterrestrials expressed a desire to share more knowledge but withheld it until humanity achieved greater peace and unity.

Radiosonde Balloons and UFO Explanations

The issue addresses the common explanation of UFO sightings as radiosonde balloons, particularly in relation to a case in Finspång, Sweden. A letter from Niels S. Nergaard of the Gardermoen radiosonde station in Norway provides details about their radiosonde launches, including the date and time of a specific launch on March 22, 1967. The information suggests that it is unlikely a balloon launched from Gardermoen could have been responsible for the Finspång sighting, highlighting the tendency for specialists to attribute unexplained phenomena to their own field of expertise.

Health Implications of Weightlessness

Further discussion on the physiological effects of space travel elaborates on the risks associated with weightlessness. The article details how the venous system's function changes, affecting blood circulation. It also explains the gradual depletion of calcium from the skeletal structure, leading to brittle bones and potential kidney stones due to increased calcium excretion. The disruption of the sodium-potassium balance is also noted, impacting nerve function and the brain.

Jurij Gagarin's Cryptic Statement

An intriguing mention is made of Soviet cosmonaut Jurij Gagarin, who, during a visit to Warsaw in 1961, reportedly stated that during his space flight, he saw something that went beyond all imagination and would astound the world if he were allowed to speak of it. This is presented as a potential hint of an extraordinary, possibly extraterrestrial, experience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Information consistently explores the intersection of space exploration, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to favor the investigation of UFOs as potentially genuine phenomena, often challenging conventional scientific explanations. There is a strong emphasis on alternative theories of physics and propulsion, particularly those related to 'vortex energy' and antigravity, as well as a belief in the existence of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. The magazine also highlights the physiological challenges of human spaceflight and the potential for profound psychological experiences during such missions. The recurring theme is that conventional explanations are often insufficient to account for the observed phenomena, and that humanity may be on the cusp of understanding more advanced technologies and cosmic realities.