UFO Information - 1974 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: UF INFORMATION
Issue: 5
Volume: 6
Year: 1974
Publisher: UFO-Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UF INFORMATION, a Swedish magazine focused on UFO phenomena, delves into a variety of topics, from potential government admissions of UFO existence to eyewitness accounts and theoretical discussions on space travel. The cover prominently features the headline "USA ERKÄNNER SNART UFO:S EXISTENS!" (USA Will Soon Admit UFOs Exist!), indicating a major theme of the publication.

Key Articles and Content

USA Poised to Acknowledge UFO Existence

The lead story reports that the US Department of Defense is set to officially acknowledge the existence of flying saucers from other planets. L.J. Lorenzen, chairman of the Tucson-based Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), is quoted as saying the announcement could come within months, possibly sooner due to increasing numbers of well-documented UFO events. UFO expert and author Ralph Blum also states he has information that the US government will soon recognize UFOs as real and extraterrestrial. Blum believes this acknowledgment will usher in a new era for humanity, and that the visitors from space do not wish harm. The government has reportedly initiated a program and plans to release all its UFO information within three years. A major feature film about UFOs, produced in collaboration with Allen Sandler Productions, is slated for release in January 1975, promising to reveal previously classified material and photographic evidence.

Lorenzen suggests the US government's decision is partly influenced by "international political competition," fearing that another country, specifically France, might reveal information first due to its more open stance on UFOs. The announcement is expected to be made in stages, or "in small portions," to avoid widespread panic, a reaction that might have occurred 20 years ago but is less likely now due to a more informed public.

Swedish UFO Sightings

Several Swedish cases are detailed:

• Värnamo, March 21, 1974: A 15-year-old boy, Christer Sundström, photographed a disk-like object with a silver hull that hovered and circled over his neighborhood before accelerating eastward. He managed to take five photos, though only one was clear, leading to speculation that the object's occupants may have intentionally obscured the images.
• Finspång, Winter 1969: Five teenagers observed a spinning, luminous disk descend onto an industrial area. One of them, 9-year-old Leif Andersson, investigated and found an oval mark in the snow where the object had landed. The witnesses described the craft as silver-colored and disc-shaped, about 6-8 meters in diameter, and noted a humming sound.
• Vireda, August: Book printer Richard Svahn and a female acquaintance observed a peculiar, puffing, and sparkling object in the sky. The object, described as sausage-shaped, moved westward after emitting a "puff" of sparks. It eventually disappeared, leaving a large "hole" in the sky that also vanished. Svahn reported feeling uneasy during the observation.

Scientific Perspectives on UFOs

An interview with Docent Ulf Ringström, a physicist at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, discusses the challenges of UFO research. Ringström emphasizes the need for more information and better scientific handling of the subject, noting that much of the public information is often ridiculed. He points out that UFOs are not easily studied in a laboratory due to their sporadic nature. For serious research, he suggests focusing on atmospheric physics and meteorology. He also mentions the development of a magnetic detector and a system for automated cameras. Ringström believes that spectral analysis of the radiation around UFOs could reveal much about electromagnetic fields and the composition of the objects. He notes that the scientific community's interest in UFOs has grown since a conference in 1971-72, with 15 researchers publishing a book on the subject in "American Journal of Physics."

Interstellar Travel and Photon Rockets

Florent Sickenga explores the possibility of interstellar travel in an article titled "CAN WE EVER REACH THE STARS? THE PHOTON ROCKET IS A THEORY TO BUILD ON!". He discusses the limitations of current technology, stating that even traveling at light speed would take over four years to reach the nearest star. Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger, a German-born space expert at NASA, has theories about future space activities, including the concept of photon rockets. These rockets would use light particles (photons) as propellant, theoretically allowing for speeds approaching that of light. The article outlines the technical challenges, such as efficiently converting energy into photons and the need for highly reflective mirrors, as well as the problem of collisions with interstellar matter like hydrogen atoms at high speeds.

Other Content

• "HIMLAFENOMEN' AVSLÖJAT! DET VAR BARA JUPITER..." (Celestial Phenomenon Revealed! It Was Just Jupiter...): This article debunks a sighting from August 12th in Skaraborg County, identifying the observed object as the planet Jupiter due to its exceptional brightness and the visible positions of its moons.
• Annonsfonden (Advertising Fund): An appeal for donations to support UFO-Sverige's advertising campaign, noting that the fund had received approximately 2,000 SEK in its first month.
• BÖCKER-POSTORDER (Book Mail Order): A list of books available for purchase, including titles on ancient technology, lost technology, and the moon's formation.
• NÄRINGSTILLSKOTT (Nutritional Supplements): An advertisement for organic vitamin and mineral supplements.
• LITTERATUR (Literature): A listing for books by J.I. Rodale.
• PAN ATLANTIC AB: An advertisement for a company offering various products.
• VÄRLDSORMEN - VIMAANA II: A listing for a book detailing instructions for constructing a "generator" based on universal principles.
• FÄLTFORSKARE (Field Researchers): An announcement seeking volunteers for field research for UFO-Sverige, offering free guidance and identification cards.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UF INFORMATION strongly advocates for the serious study of UFO phenomena, aiming to legitimize the subject within scientific and public discourse. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, challenging government secrecy and promoting the idea that UFOs are a real and significant phenomenon. There's a clear effort to counter public skepticism and ridicule by presenting witness accounts, expert opinions, and theoretical possibilities. The magazine also highlights the importance of accurate information dissemination and the role of UFO-Sverige in this endeavor. The financial challenges faced by the publication are also discussed, with an appeal for reader support through subscriptions and donations, emphasizing the magazine's perceived importance in society.

This issue of UFO-Information, dated 1967 (though content appears to span later years, particularly the South Australian UFO wave in 1974), delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, space travel, and related technologies. The magazine features a mix of theoretical discussions, eyewitness accounts, and investigative reports.

Interstellar Travel: The Photon Spacecraft

The issue explores the concept of a 'photon spacecraft,' a futuristic vessel designed for interstellar journeys. The cover illustration depicts such a craft traveling at half the speed of light (150,000 km/second), generating a shockwave from its nose due to its magnetic field deflecting incoming cosmic radiation. The article "Utflykt på ett halvsekel!" (An Excursion of Half a Century!) discusses the feasibility of reaching distant star systems, estimating a round trip to a star 10 light-years away would take approximately 42 years, including acceleration and deceleration, plus additional time for exploring planets. It highlights the challenges of radiation and navigation, suggesting that while theoretical speeds can approach light speed, practical limitations might restrict travel to around half that speed for manned missions. The theory of relativity is mentioned, noting that travelers would age less rapidly than those on Earth.

The construction of such a craft is described as a complex undertaking, requiring a total length of over a kilometer. Key components include a 'photon rocket engine,' self-repairing computers, rotating living quarters, and a unique power source. The spacecraft would be assembled in orbit around Earth, not launched from the surface. The article also touches upon the vastness of the universe, with the Milky Way galaxy alone spanning hundreds of thousands of light-years.

Technological Challenges and Energy Sources

Significant technological hurdles are discussed, including the need for a perfect mirror, which would have to be constructed in space. The energy requirements for such a propulsion system are immense, necessitating a power source far beyond current capabilities. The concept of a 'hydrogen power plant' (vätekraftverk) is proposed, described as a miniature sun contained by magnetic forces. This technology, akin to nuclear fusion, is seen as a prerequisite for a photon rocket motor. The development of super-strong magnets is also highlighted, with RCA and NASA researching magnets with fields thousands of times stronger than Earth's. These magnets would require cooling to absolute zero and could potentially be used to deflect cosmic radiation.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine reports on several UFO sightings. One notable incident involves a security guard in Wilmington, USA, who fired six shots at an unidentified flying object. The object was described as round, wingless, about 25-30 meters long, and emitting a faint blue-green light. It hovered at an altitude of 50 meters before ascending rapidly and disappearing.

Another section details a "strong UFO wave" in South Australia during April 1974. Numerous sightings were reported across various locations, including Sydney, Parkes, Belair, Woodside, Modbury, Glenelg, and Roseworthy. Descriptions varied, with some objects described as emitting sounds, having blinking lights, or moving silently at high speeds. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was reportedly investigating these reports.

Several Swedish sightings are also documented. One incident in Köping involved a 'spool-shaped' object with two short wings at the rear, observed flying at a low speed. Another report from Medåker described a long, cucumber-shaped object. A bus driver in Sweden reported encountering a gray, circular craft about 20 meters in diameter with four 'half-balls' around its edge, which flew near his bus before ascending rapidly.

UFO-Sverige and the UFO-Center

The magazine features the establishment of a UFO-Center in Lagmansberga, Östergötland, Sweden, led by Carl-Axel Jonzon, the chairman of the national organization UFO-Sverige. The center aims to be a meeting point for UFO enthusiasts to share ideas and collaborate on practical matters, drawing inspiration from the Findhorn community in Scotland. The center plans to offer various activities, including courses on hypnosis, telepathy, ufology, and philosophy, and encourages voluntary contributions and participation in maintaining the facility.

Radio Waves and Communication

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to radio waves and their potential for communication, including contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. The article "RADIOVÅGOR - VÅR ENDA CHANS TILL KONTAKT MED ANDRA RYMDVÄRLDAR?" (Radio Waves - Our Only Chance for Contact with Other Space Worlds?) explores different frequency bands, from long wave to short wave and VHF. It discusses the crowded nature of the medium wave band and the vast possibilities of short wave for intercepting broadcasts from around the globe. The article also touches upon the 'mysterious' VHF band, recounting an anecdote where a Swedish fire department inadvertently made contact with a UN patrol in Gaza instead of their local exchange. The potential for receiving signals from distant sources, including unusual TV transmissions, is also mentioned.

UFO-Märket and Models

The issue introduces the "UFO-Märket" (UFO Mark), a symbol designed to foster recognition and unity among ufologists. It also features a handcrafted model of a "flying saucer" created by a postal worker, Sigurd Bremer, for the Köping UFO-Förening, intended for use in lectures and presentations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFO phenomena are real and warrant serious investigation. There's a strong emphasis on scientific and technological advancements, particularly in the realm of space travel and energy production, as potential explanations or enablers of UFO-related activities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to report sightings and participate in the collective effort to understand these unexplained phenomena. The magazine aims to demystify UFOs by providing information, investigating sightings, and exploring the scientific and technological possibilities related to them, while also acknowledging the vastness of the unknown and the potential for extraterrestrial contact.

Title: UFO-INFORMATION
Issue Date: 1974
Publisher: UFO-SVERIGE
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring personal accounts, critical analysis, and speculative theories. The main cover story highlights an engineer's extraordinary experience, while other articles discuss scientific skepticism and the possibility of extraterrestrial intervention in Earth's history.

Personal Encounter: 'Magnetic Finger' and Telepathic Contact

The issue opens with a detailed account by N O Malmqvist, a Stockholm engineer, of a series of unusual events that occurred on a Sunday evening in April 1966. While working late at his Lidingö office, Malmqvist experienced what he describes as a 'magnetic finger' descending from the ceiling. This phenomenon, which he perceived as a real but unseen force, touched various objects in the room, allowing him to sense their material properties. He likens the sensation to an electromagnetic wave, oscillating in two planes.

Following this, Malmqvist experienced what he terms telepathic contact. He felt an unseen entity observing his work and communicating directly through his mind and eyes. This contact made him aware that 'someone' understood his observation and the situation. This profound experience left him with goosebumps and excitement.

UFO Sighting Over Stockholm

Leaving his workplace around 8:20 PM, Malmqvist drove towards Stockholm. Under a clear, cold sky, he observed a continuously blinking, rectangular light. This light pulsed with a strong glow for about two seconds, followed by five to six seconds of darkness. During the dark periods, he perceived a faint 'coronal discharge' behind the object. The light moved in an arc from south to northwest over Stockholm.

As he approached an intersection near Roslagstull, the UFO was very close. The light was so intense that it was difficult to look at. Malmqvist estimated its altitude at approximately 300 meters. During the dark intervals, he could also discern a faint red light, which he later speculated might have been a 'light' or beacon, similar to those described in books by G. Adamski.

Second Telepathic Contact and UFO's Path

While observing the blinking light, which was now at a steep angle in the sky, Malmqvist received a second telepathic communication. He was informed that the UFO could pass unnoticed due to the lack of people and traffic in the cold weather. He also received information about the UFO's flight path and mission, though this information was immediately erased from his memory. However, he recalled that the path included areas like Ångkraftverket in Värtan, Tekniska högskolan, and Wennergren Center. The UFO then disappeared westward over the city, with the last visible trace being its faintly illuminated elliptical underside as it passed the WG Center. The entire observation at Roslagstull lasted for about twenty minutes. Malmqvist noted that the UFO maintained a tilt towards the horizontal plane, with its axis aligned with the local inclination of approximately 70 degrees.

Review: Eugen Semitjov's 'The Incredible Saucers'

Another significant piece in the magazine is a review of a book by journalist Eugen Semitjov, titled 'De otroliga tefaten' (The Incredible Saucers). Semitjov, described as a world-class scientific reporter, attempts to debunk UFO phenomena by presenting counter-information and rational explanations. He expresses admiration for scientists, many of whom have historically shown a dismissive attitude towards UFOs, viewing the idea of alien visitation as impossible.

Semitjov's approach involves interviewing scientists, military personnel, and researchers from both Eastern and Western blocs, framing his inquiries as research for a book aimed at discrediting 'UFO fanatics'. The review highlights Semitjov's dismissal of numerous UFO cases, often attributing them to hoaxes, misidentifications, or even fabricated stories. For instance, a case involving a UFO sighting by pilots of a DC-3 near Hässleholm in 1953 is explained away by an FOA official who accused two conscripts of stealing a balloon and attaching a magnesium flare. Semitjov is criticized for not providing documentation such as interrogation records or court rulings for such claims.

The review points out that Semitjov claims there is no evidence for UFO existence and quickly dismisses cases with weak or anecdotal evidence. He is accused of exerting minimal effort in proving his own points. The review also mentions a bizarre story included in Semitjov's book about small beings emerging from a UFO to raid an Uzbekistani sweet shop, which is likened to a comic strip.

Semitjov's arguments are described as sometimes resorting to accusing flight crews of fabricating observations, such as an incident over the Mexican Gulf in 1952 involving a B-29 crew. The reviewer finds this argumentation astonishing and suggests that if Semitjov himself had a close encounter, he would likely remain silent and rationalize it as a dream.

Despite his strong skepticism, Semitjov includes a disclaimer stating that while UFO hypotheses are highly improbable, they cannot be definitively ruled out as impossible. The review concludes that Semitjov's book skillfully presents material with a clear agenda: to convince authority-trusting individuals that UFOs exist only in fantasy and that everything is under control.

Scientific Theory: Earth as a 'Zoo'

The magazine also explores a speculative theory proposed by three prominent scientists, published in the scientific journal 'Icarus'. This theory suggests that life on Earth may have been intentionally planted by a highly advanced extraterrestrial civilization. John A. Ball, an astronomer at Harvard University, posits that aliens avoid contact with humans because they view us as 'zoological specimens' in a kind of cosmic zoo or nature reserve.

Ball believes that these advanced civilizations could have contacted us long ago if they had desired, but their advanced technology allows them to ensure we do not find them. The theory that life was intentionally planted on Earth was also discussed in an article by Dr. Leslie E. Orgel from the Salk Institute and Nobel laureate Francis H. C. Crick. They note that recent research indicates that organic molecules cannot survive long journeys through space, leading to the hypothesis that organisms were deliberately sent to Earth by intelligent beings on another planet.

UFO Sighting Over Hammarbyleden

Another reported sighting occurred on the evening of August 17th, when Jan Lindström of Saltsjöbaden observed a light phenomenon while driving. Lindström, who admits to being skeptical of flying saucers, described seeing a sphere with sharp, white light at both ends, moving at a 45-degree angle in the sky. The object appeared to be about half the size of the sun and was visible for approximately six seconds. He estimated its distance to be just over two kilometers. The object eventually 'dissolved' and disappeared. Lindström could not find any explanation for the phenomenon, noting the sharp contours against the clear, cloudless sky.

Call for Contributors

Finally, the magazine includes a notice seeking additional staff for UFO-INFORMATION. They are looking for translators, illustrators, and typists to help create a more comprehensive and well-edited publication. The notice emphasizes the need for individuals willing to dedicate time and effort to producing interesting content, particularly for translations of expert articles and for creating clear illustrations and diagrams.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the personal experience of UFO encounters, the scientific skepticism and debunking of UFO claims, and speculative theories about the origin of life on Earth and extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both firsthand accounts and critical analyses, while also exploring more abstract scientific hypotheses regarding extraterrestrial life. The inclusion of Semitjov's book review suggests an engagement with the debate between believers and skeptics, though the reviewer seems to critique Semitjov's overly dismissive approach.