UFO Information - 1974 No 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION, volume 6, number 3 from 1974, is a Swedish publication dedicated to UFO phenomena and related knowledge, serving as the official organ for the national organization UFO-Sverige. The cover highlights several intriguing articles, including a telepathic UFO encounter by a woman in western Sweden, and a report on the Mariner 10 mission's journey past Venus and Mercury. A prominent image on the cover depicts a building and trees with a small unidentified object in the sky.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

The issue's table of contents lists a variety of articles, including:

• Fantastiska rymdskildringar behöver inte stämplas som bluff (Fantastic space depictions need not be stamped as a bluff): This article discusses the nature of UFO accounts and contactee experiences, particularly focusing on George Adamski. It questions the automatic dismissal of such stories as mere fantasy or lies, suggesting that external influences or misinterpretations might be at play. The author posits that contactees might be influenced by unknown forces or higher intelligences, and that their experiences could be a form of telepathic contact rather than direct physical encounters. The article touches upon Adamski's claims of visiting spacecraft and dining with alien beings, suggesting a more nuanced perspective than outright disbelief.
• Rapport från riksstämman 1974 (Report from the National Convention 1974): This section details the annual meeting of UFO-Sverige held in Jönköping. It covers the organization's financial status, including income and expenses, and notes the need for significant private contributions to fund future activities. A new organizational program was adopted, outlining UFO-Sverige's stance on UFO issues. Changes to membership fees were also decided, with a new uniform fee of 50 SEK per group. The report also mentions an 'external' session with the public.
• Intensiv närstudie av UFO med besättning – Skadat tefat landade för reparation (Intensive close study of a UFO with crew – Damaged saucer landed for repair): This is a detailed account by Gideon Johansson of an encounter in 1959. He describes witnessing a UFO land near his home in Mariannelund, Sweden, due to apparent damage. Johansson provides a close-up description of the craft and its occupants, noting their physical characteristics, clothing, and behavior. He describes the craft as disc-shaped, with a round, illuminated cockpit. The occupants are described as small, with large eyes and a pale complexion, resembling Asians. The incident also caused a power outage in the area, and Johansson later experienced physical discomfort, which he attributes to radiation from the craft.
• Två vigselringar över Hässelby Kyrka (Two wedding rings over Hässelby Church): Another account from Gideon Johansson, this incident from 1957 describes witnesses seeing two ring-shaped objects that appeared to be wedding rings, which then transformed into a blue, disc-shaped craft. The object descended and hovered before flying away at high speed.
• Det stora maskregnet 1 maj 1946 (The great worm rain of May 1, 1946): This article recounts a bizarre event where thousands of worms fell from a clear sky onto an outdoor gathering in Lönneberga, Sweden. The worms were described as long, reddish, and translucent, with a visible digestive tract. The event caused distress and was noted by scientists who suggested the worms might have originated from the stratosphere.
• Djävulstriangeln – ökänd kyrkogård för flygplan och fartyg (The Devil's Triangle – infamous graveyard for aircraft and ships): This article discusses a region in the Pacific Ocean, similar to the Bermuda Triangle, where numerous aircraft and ships have disappeared. It highlights the case of the yacht Joyita, found adrift and empty in 1955, and suggests a connection between these disappearances and UFO activity.
• Psykologen: Inga tecken på medveten dikt (The Psychologist: No signs of conscious fabrication): This section features an assessment by psychologist Ewert Mårtensson regarding Gideon Johansson's UFO report. Mårtensson interviewed Johansson and found him to be a credible and honest witness, with no indication that his account was fabricated or a misinterpretation of a trivial event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFO sightings, close encounters, alleged alien contact, and the investigation of these phenomena. It appears to adopt a stance of open-minded inquiry, presenting witness testimonies and research findings without immediate dismissal, while also incorporating psychological analyses to assess witness credibility. The organization UFO-Sverige positions itself as a central hub for collecting and disseminating information on UFOs within Sweden, encouraging contributions from readers and researchers alike. The recurring mention of Gideon Johansson across multiple articles suggests his significant role as a witness and contributor to the UFO discourse in Sweden during that period. The magazine also touches upon broader scientific and technological topics, such as space exploration (Mariner 10) and theories about alternative energy sources derived from UFO principles.

This issue of FLYGVAPNET, dated 1974, focuses on UFO phenomena, ancient astronaut theories, and space exploration. It features detailed accounts of sightings, investigations, and related mysteries.

The Devil's Triangle and UFOs

The magazine highlights the 'Devil's Triangle' (Djävuls-triangeln) in the Pacific, an area notorious for unexplained disappearances of ships and aircraft. This region, located between Japan, Guam, Wake Islands, and the Philippines, is described as a 'death zone.' A key incident discussed is the 'Joyita' vessel, where a message found in a bottle claimed a 'circular, metallic object' forced the crew to go aboard, implying UFO involvement. The article notes the geographical similarity between the Devil's Triangle and the Bermuda Triangle, both situated near busy shipping lanes.

Between 1949 and 1955, nine ships vanished in the Devil's Triangle, with a total of 215 people lost. The article questions the connection between UFOs and these triangles, citing witness reports of 'ghostly objects' that pursued vessels, dived into the sea, and reappeared in the sky.

Another large 'triangle' in the Eastern Hemisphere is described, stretching from Japan to Ceylon, over the Indian Ocean to Australia and New Zealand, and back to Japan. This vast area, encompassing China, India, Malaya, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, is also noted for significant UFO activity.

Mysterious Metallic Discs in the Indian Ocean

UFOs, described as 'shining metallic discs,' have been observed in the Indian Ocean since the early 1900s. One report from May 15, 1879, details Captain Pringle of HMS Vulture observing a 'gigantic spinning luminous wheel' that submerged and pursued their ship in the Persian Gulf.

Further reports include a similar 'luminous wheel' sighted by the British-India steamer Patna in 1883, and another by the steamer Delta in the Strait of Malacca. Seaman Matthew Mengle in the Persian Gulf described a 'luminous underwater disc' that followed his ship at 12 knots before shooting upwards like a rocket.

Similar disc-shaped underwater craft have been reported across the region, including the China Sea, the Sea of Japan, and waters near the Philippines, Malaya, Borneo, Java, Sumatra, and Australia.

In the summer of 1942, two RAF pilots on patrol over Tasmania reported a large, dome-shaped UFO with fins, approximately 50 meters in diameter. The object followed them before diving into the Atlantic, creating a large whirlpool.

UFOs Halt Planes in Mid-Air

In November 1955, a passenger plane flying over Thailand reported being followed by a pulsating light for an hour. In the same month, a large 'light phenomenon' was observed bouncing in the air over Hong Kong's Kai Tak airport, changing shape from oval to disc.

On October 11, 1967, four indigenous people from the Fiji Islands, unfamiliar with UFO concepts, witnessed a round UFO dive into the water, emitting a strong spotlight before disappearing. On October 26, 1967, numerous UFOs appeared on radar screens at a base near Okinawa, leading to F-84 and F-86 jets being scrambled to intercept them, but to no avail.

During the Korean conflict, UFO sightings were daily occurrences. On April 22, 1957, four 'smoking, egg-shaped UFOs' flew in a zigzag pattern over Taegu, South Korea.

A helicopter pilot in Vietnam reported following a shining UFO for 20 minutes on September 9, 1968. On July 24, 1956, psychologist Dr. J.L. Bennett photographed a mysterious light over Singapore, which appeared as a luminous oval with two smaller light points, possibly a 'mother ship' with two reconnaissance craft.

In April 1954, two army officers observed a UFO circling a base on the Marshall Islands. In 1943, American pilots flying 'The Hump' route reported being chased by 'glittering objects.' Some reports described UFOs emitting a 'beam' that held aircraft stationary in the air before their engines restarted.

The Tokyo Bay Incident Shakes the Pentagon

Reports from Australia and New Zealand detail various UFO phenomena, including cigar-shaped craft, those that follow cars and planes, and 'exploding' ones with varied electromagnetic effects. Japan has also reported numerous sightings, particularly near US air bases.

A famous incident occurred at Haneda Airport in Tokyo in 1952, where a loud sound emanated from a dark, gigantic object detected by radar and visually. F-94 jets were dispatched to 'identify the intruder.' The object outmaneuvered the jets with impossible turns, sudden stops, and steep dives. This event reportedly caused significant concern within the Pentagon.

The Missing Day: Data and the Bible

This section presents an account from Harold Hill, director of Curtis Engine Company, about a discrepancy found by NASA's data experts. While calculating satellite trajectories, they discovered a missing day in the past, based on astronomical data. Their calculations indicated a deficit of 23 hours and 20 minutes, not a full day, as initially suggested by a biblical passage.

Following a suggestion, they consulted the Bible and found a passage in Joshua 10:13 stating, 'The sun stood still in the midst of heaven for a whole day.' This led to further investigation, and in 2 Kings 20, they found the story of King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah offered a sign that the shadow on the sundial would move back ten steps. Hezekiah requested the shadow move back ten steps, which was interpreted as 40 minutes. This 40-minute deficit, when added to the 23 hours and 20 minutes from Joshua, accounted for the missing day.

The article notes that UFO research has also found connections to the Bible, referencing Morris K. Jessup's book 'UFO and the Bible.'

UFO Phenomena Investigated by the Swedish Air Force

Colonel Jan Rooth of F1 in Västerås confirms that the Swedish Air Force investigates UFO phenomena. They fill out forms and conduct preliminary investigations, sometimes determining if their own flights could have caused a report. While most cases are resolved, some remain unexplained.

Edward Condon Dies

The death of Dr. Edward U. Condon at age 72 is reported. Condon was involved in the Manhattan Project and later became a critic of nuclear weapons. He led a major US Air Force UFO investigation, known as the 'Condon Report,' which concluded that UFO existence could neither be proven nor disproven.

Four Girls Experience UFO Period in Summer '73

This section details a series of UFO sightings by four schoolgirls (aged 19-14) near Liared, Sweden, during the summer of 1973. The girls, including Eva Rosendahl, meticulously documented their observations, providing sketches and descriptions.

The first sightings occurred on the night of June 25-26, 1973, between 24:00 and 02:30. Marie Karlsson, initially a skeptic, witnessed a large, luminous object that moved in a circular path, changing color from white to orange and appearing larger than stars. Two smaller UFOs appeared later, exhibiting jerky movements, hovering, and changing color from yellow-white to blue-violet-red.

On the night of June 26-27, 1973, between 23:15 and 02:00, a small UFO appeared, described as a constant yellow star flying horizontally. It merged with the larger UFO, forming a single light. Later, two intensely yellow lights appeared, moving upwards. The objects dimmed, turned red, and disappeared.

On the night of June 30-July 1, 1973, between 23:00 and 01:00, a small yellow UFO was seen descending. A large 'star' appeared, initially orange, then pulsing and turning orange-white before disappearing.

On the night of July 1-2, 1973, between 22:00 and 24:00, a UFO described as a sharp yellow-orange object flew over a riding arena and disappeared. Later, the large 'star' reappeared, brighter and orange-yellow, before moving towards them and then disappearing.

During this observation period, the girls also saw small, yellow 'stars' moving directly north from their house, maintaining constant course, color, and speed.

England Bombed with Ice

This article discusses the phenomenon of 'peripheral ufology,' which includes unexplained events not directly UFO-related, such as mysterious ice blocks falling from the sky. In 1950, the UK experienced a wave of such incidents, described as 'bombardment from outer space.'

Numerous theories were proposed, including extraterrestrial attacks or ice chunks fired from UFOs. Reports described 'rockets' of varying sizes, some weighing up to 100 kg. An ice block approximately 3 decimeters wide fell in Loudwater, and another landed in Vigo Village. A large ice lump crashed through a workshop roof in Wandsworth.

Experts, including police and aviation specialists, investigated. Their primary explanation was that the ice originated from aircraft, possibly from lavatory waste freezing and then detaching at lower altitudes. However, this theory was questioned as many incidents occurred in remote areas not frequented by regular flights, and the phenomenon had not occurred before.

Sumerian Culture and Space

This section delves into ancient Sumerian mythology, exploring the question of whether their gods and legends hint at extraterrestrial contact. It references Erich von Däniken's theories about ancient civilizations and archaeological evidence.

The article discusses the Sumerian goddess Inanna and her quest to obtain the 'Me' (divine laws or cultural fundamentals) from Enki, the god of wisdom, in Eridu. Inanna travels in a 'celestial vessel' (Himlens farkost) to Uruk. The narrative describes Enki's regret and his attempts to prevent Inanna's return by sending 'sea monsters' (Havsvidundren) to intercept her craft. The 'Me' are described as copyable tablets or books containing secret laws.

The text questions the nature of the 'celestial vessel' and 'sea monsters,' suggesting they might represent advanced technology and an unknown species. It also ponders whether the Sumerian concept of 'space' as a 'sea' implies the possibility of interstellar travel.

Mariner 10's Space Journey

This article reports on the successful mission of Mariner 10, which explored two planets simultaneously: Mercury and Venus. The image shows Mercury, with an inset of a crater named after astronomer Gerard Kuiper.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFOs and their potential implications. It presents a range of perspectives, from eyewitness accounts and official investigations to speculative theories connecting UFOs with ancient myths and biblical events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these mysteries, presenting evidence and theories without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities of extraterrestrial activity and advanced ancient civilizations.

This issue of UFO-Information, dated 1974, focuses on space exploration and UFO phenomena, featuring reports on the Mariner 10 space probe's missions and several eyewitness accounts of unidentified flying objects in Sweden.

Mariner 10: Exploring Venus and Mercury

The magazine details the Mariner 10 space probe's journey, launched from Cape Kennedy on November 3, 1973. Due to budget constraints, the probe was tasked with exploring both Venus and Mercury. It visited Venus in February 1974, flying within 5,000 km and capturing infrared images that revealed atmospheric movements similar to Earth's, though with significant differences in composition, pressure, and temperature. The extreme conditions on Venus's surface, with pressures 90 times that of Earth and temperatures around 400°C, make surface life unlikely, but the possibility of atmospheric life was not ruled out.

Mariner 10's trajectory was altered by Venus's gravity, sending it towards Mercury. It reached Mercury on March 29, 1974, flying within 800 km. The probe sent images back to Earth every second, taking 8.5 minutes to reach. The images depicted a desolate, moon-like landscape with extreme temperature variations between the sunlit and dark sides (over 500°C difference). The planet's interior is thought to be similar to Earth's, with a core of heavy elements. The high particle radiation from the sun and Mercury's proximity to it make human visits unlikely in the near future. The probe also discovered that Mercury might have a small moon, possibly an captured asteroid.

UFO Sightings in Sweden

Mystical Object Over Gotland

Sigurd Lindberg, a 43-year-old resident of Gotland, reported seeing two intensely luminous objects in the sky on the evening of May 9 or 10, 1974, near Visby and Tofta. One object was large and pulsed with light, while the other was smaller and emitted a steady white glow. Lindberg initially considered them aircraft or flares but dismissed these possibilities due to their stationary nature and unusual movement. His neighbor, Tellerve Voutilainen, also witnessed the phenomenon. The larger object began to pulse more intensely and then moved rapidly towards the southeast, followed by the smaller object.

"Unnatural and Unsettling" Landing

Folke Engman and Hjalmar Strömberg, forest workers near Fredrika, Sweden, reported witnessing a silent, car-sized object land in a field on the morning of May 13, 1974. Engman described the experience as "unnatural and unsettling." The object, gray in color, landed silently, extending two 'legs' that appeared to function as landing gear. The object was observed from about 300 meters away.

Incident in Vallentuna

A brief mention is made of an incident in Vallentuna in late March 1974, where a man claimed to have been drawn into a hovering craft and subsequently examined by aliens. The full details of this case were postponed to a later issue.

Hypnotized by Aliens: Elna's Experience

This section details a personal account from a woman named Elna, who claims to have had several paranormal experiences. She recounts an incident where she felt a connection to her husband's 'astral body' and another where she witnessed a small, peculiar figure with a large head and round, pupil-less eyes near her bedroom element. This figure reportedly drew her in, causing her to lose consciousness of her surroundings.

Elna then describes being transported to a spacecraft, experiencing a sensation of being high up in space and inside a machine. She heard a voice explaining the craft but could not identify the speaker. The occupants could see Earth through the walls, but no one could see in. She moved through a circular corridor, noting the orderliness of the machine. Upon returning to her bedroom, she felt disoriented and recalled the figure she had seen earlier, noting its dark, tight-fitting overall.

She also recounts an experience where a light ball (ljusboll) moved erratically and a dog, usually barking at the gate, fell silent when the light ball stopped and blinked at it.

Elna sought medical advice for her experiences but received little validation, with one expert suggesting she had a 'sixth sense' and another dismissing her claims. Her husband, Per, is described as skeptical but acknowledges hearing stories from others.

UFO-Sverige and Publications

The magazine also promotes UFO-Sverige, an organization dedicated to providing information on UFOs. It highlights a new brochure titled "SAKLIG BROSCHYR OM UFO-SVERIGE SOM ALLA BÖR SKAFFA SIG!" (A Serious Brochure About UFO-Sweden That Everyone Should Get!). This brochure is described as factual, comprehensive, and realistic, covering the UFO problem, UFO-Sweden's objectives, and its statutes. Readers are encouraged to obtain the brochure, consider the issues, and support the organization.

Additionally, the magazine advertises a UFO-Sverige badge and UFO posters featuring 'space motifs' from biblical times. It also promotes a scientific publication on alchemy by Professor Theodor Schaeffer, available from AB G. Wendelholm.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a strong interest in both scientific space exploration and anecdotal UFO reports. The magazine presents findings from space probes like Mariner 10 alongside personal testimonies of alleged encounters with UFOs and extraterrestrial beings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various phenomena, from planetary science to paranormal experiences, while also promoting the UFO-Sverige organization as a source of reliable information. There is a clear emphasis on documenting and investigating UFO sightings and related experiences within Sweden.