UFO Information - 1975 No 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION, number 3 from 1975, is the seventh volume of the publication. It is a Swedish magazine focused on current UFO events and increasing knowledge about UFO phenomena, serving as the organ for the national organization UFO-Sverige. The cover prominently features the headline "ETT HINDER PÅ VÄGEN" (A HINDRANCE ON THE WAY) and highlights contents such as "DEFENSE AIR SURVEILLANCE TOWERS IN THE SERVICE OF UFO-SWEDEN," "FULL DISTRIBUTION AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN VÄSTERÅS," and "GREAT EXPEDITION TO NAMSENFJORDEN."

Article: A HINDRANCE ON THE WAY

This editorial piece reflects on humanity's long journey of seeking understanding, both of oneself and the surrounding world. It posits that human curiosity has led to the exploration of almost the entire planet, with the exception of underwater regions. The article criticizes the current societal system, built on technology and a moral framework, for resting on an "uncertain foundation" and threatening to collapse. It identifies flaws in healthcare, workplaces, and nature, attributing them to humanity's destructive impact. The author argues that humans have focused too much on the practical and mechanical, neglecting their spiritual side, which has led to a lack of perspective and a civilization without "supporting beams."

The piece suggests that humanity's limited sensory perception restricts its understanding of reality. It uses examples of sound and sight, noting that humans can only perceive specific frequency ranges. The author contends that what is considered "unknown" is simply a part of reality that our senses cannot grasp. The article implies that humanity's current life-threatening problems could have been avoided if ancestors had focused on developing their spiritual senses. It concludes by stating that humanity is now forced to seek new paths and knowledge from the "unknown" to overcome these difficulties, despite a tendency to resist this idea.

Article: Survey of Attitudes Towards UFOs by Göteborg High School Students

In the autumn of 1973, two high school students from Göteborg, Stefan Bärnsten and Dan-Olof Sloberg, conducted a systematic survey of UFO attitudes at Majornas gymnasium and Hvitfeldtska gymnasiet. The survey involved 319 respondents (128 men, 191 women) aged 16-19. The objective was to measure attitudes towards UFOs and identify differences based on age and gender. The questionnaire was designed to be simple and clear, avoiding leading questions.

The survey found that 65.5% believed in higher civilizations in the universe. Regarding contact with UFO phenomena, the majority (85.5%) had encountered information through daily and weekly press, followed by literature (23.2%) and friends (33.6%). A significant finding was that 53.6% believed Earth had been or was being visited by extraterrestrial intelligences. Men showed a stronger tendency to answer "yes" to most questions compared to women, who exhibited more hesitation.

Regarding the increase of UFO research, 60.2% believed it should be intensified, with men showing a higher percentage (71.3%) than women (51.5%). The survey also indicated that UFO organizations were considered the most competent to research the UFO problem by a large majority (68.6%), while government agencies were rated low (10.3%). A substantial portion of respondents (51.8%) believed that important information about UFOs was being withheld from the public.

In their conclusions, the students noted that today's youth has a surprisingly open attitude towards UFOs, with fewer significant differences between age groups except for a slightly more open attitude among second-year students. Men displayed a clearer stance than women, who expressed more hesitation. The majority believed in the existence of higher civilizations and that Earth had been visited by extraterrestrials. They also favored increased UFO research, primarily conducted by UFO organizations, and felt that important information was being kept from the public.

Interview: Decisive Proof is Lacking for UFOs Coming from the Universe

This section features an interview by Frank Östergren with author Eugen Semitjov, who recently published a book on UFOs. Semitjov, born in 1923, is a journalist with a background in drawing and extensive experience covering space missions, including Yuri Gagarin's flight and the Apollo program. He describes his current stance as an "objective skeptic."

Semitjov explains that his interest in UFOs began in the 1950s, initially believing they might be alien spacecraft, but his investigations on reporting trips led him to debunk many cases. He criticizes the UFO community for being diluted by fantasists and cult-like figures who claim telepathic contact with aliens. He also expresses skepticism towards certain UFO researchers, like K. G. Rehn, for refusing to acknowledge clear errors and debunked cases.

Regarding the "conspiracy theory" that governments are hiding information, Semitjov states he has reviewed Pentagon archives and found nothing. He also consulted with Tage Eriksson at FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency) and felt he had full insight. Semitjov praises Professor Allen Hynek as a credible authority, suggesting that more like him would improve the field's reputation. He dismisses George Adamski as a "bluff."

While critical of Erich von Däniken's tendency to jump to conclusions, Semitjov acknowledges that there might be some truth to theories about extraterrestrial visitors predating humanity. He debunks astronaut UFO observations as wishful thinking, explaining Armstrong's "We got visitors" comment as technical jargon for receiving another transmission. He also dismisses claims about Russian cosmonauts seeing UFOs.

Semitjov is skeptical of "humanoids," attributing such claims to bluff, self-suggestion, and misinterpretation. He finds Duncan Lunan's interpretation of delayed signals from space as messages from an ancient satellite to be a stretch, and corrects a confusion between Lunan's work and the Betty Hill case regarding constellations.

He agrees with the notion that Swedish culture is hesitant to engage with metaphysical and mystical questions. Regarding UFO research in the Soviet Union, he notes that while parapsychology is active, the field is shrouded in secrecy. UFO research in Russia has also seen fluctuating interest.

Semitjov advises Swedish UFO groups to "clear out the nonsense," maintain a consistent line, admit when proven wrong, and check facts more carefully. He concludes that while he doesn't doubt the existence of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe, the idea of daily visits from flying saucers is highly unlikely, and he has yet to see decisive proof.

Article: Great Expedition to Namsenfjorden

This article details ongoing efforts to investigate UFO mysteries in Namsenfjorden, Norway, a region that has long intrigued UFOlogists. Three previous expeditions had failed to solve the mystery of a "space bus" reportedly seen crashing into the fjord by farmer Lorentz Johnson in December 1959. Norsk UFO-Center, led by chairman Kolbjörn Stenödegård, planned a new expedition to retrieve the alleged "space bus."

The article recounts the history of the Namsenfjorden events:

• December 1959: Lorentz Johnson witnessed a "bus-like object" fly over the fjord, disintegrate, and crash into the depths near Sundsraasa. The local air station reported no radar contact.
• Summer 1963: A fishing net was destroyed by an unknown object on the fjord bottom, and sonar detected an anomaly.
• Summer 1968: Investigations found mysterious wheel-like tracks on the fjord bottom. A joint effort with the Norwegian magazine Hjemmet involved underwater clubs and sonar equipment.
• Summer 1972: A new expedition by the magazine Vi Menn also yielded no results. However, on the evening of June 9th, TV signals in Bangsund were severely disrupted, an event that baffled Televerket.
• June 11th, 1972: On Kjölsöya island, 89 strange triangular and circular tracks were found in the mud, some measuring 160 cm in side and estimated to weigh 10-20 tons.

Subsequent investigations in 1974 by NUFOC, including divers and sonar, failed to locate the object. The article also describes a UFO sighting by Captain Erling Bakke and his wife on July 4, 1972, where they observed a craft moving at high speed over the water before ascending rapidly. Another incident on November 3, 1974, involved a 15-year-old boy being blinded by a bright object near Bogna Bru.

The article includes a description of Namsenfjorden as a remote, pristine wilderness. It also details the discovery of more triangular tracks in Våganvika, with soil samples found to be radioactive, a finding that led to police involvement and aerial photography by the Air Force, though the investigation was classified.

Article: The Dramatic Bakke Observation

This section focuses on the July 4, 1972, sighting by Captain Erling Bakke and his wife. They observed a peculiar craft moving at high speed over the water between Indre Gåsöya and Brannöya. Initially mistaken for a fast boat, the object then lifted off the water at a 45-degree angle and disappeared rapidly. Captain Bakke described the craft as oval with a dome-like cabin, approximately 7.5 meters long and 2 meters high, and stated his conviction that it was not of earthly origin.

Article: Boy Blinded by UFO

On November 3, 1974, a 15-year-old boy near Bogna Bru in Bangsund reported being blinded by a brightly glowing object with a reddish glow. The object moved silently over a sports field and then ascended rapidly towards Namsos. The boy described the experience as terrifying.

Article: Remote Viewers Found Landing Site

This section details further investigations in Namsenfjorden in July 1974. Divers searched the area near Sundsraasa but found only rock formations. However, Adolf Refvik, who brought a map drawn by a clairvoyant from Hønefoss, provided specific locations based on the clairvoyant's "readings." The clairvoyant indicated an anomaly at the eastern end of Sundsöya, an explosion near a bay on the island's backside, and a mysterious object on the bottom of Sundsraasa, between Sundsöya and Hoddöya, aligning with Lorentz Johnson's sighting.

Article: The Mysterious Triangular Traces

On July 12, 1974, while divers were investigating, new triangular tracks were discovered in two bays near the base camp. Three irregular triangular tracks were found in Våganvika, near where the radioactive soil samples were found. The grass in these tracks was dead but not burned. Two tracks measured 80 cm per side, and a third measured 120 cm. These tracks were found by chance in the wrong bay, with the "real" tracks located in Skjerpaviken. The article suggests Namsenfjorden is an " Eldorado" for visiting UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation and discussion of UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the work of UFO-Sverige and its affiliated organizations, highlighting their efforts in observation, communication, and research. The articles often present detailed accounts of sightings and investigations, aiming to provide factual information to the public. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of unexplained aerial phenomena while also promoting critical analysis and debunking of hoaxes. The interview with Eugen Semitjov, while skeptical, is presented as a valuable contribution to the debate, emphasizing the need for evidence. The recurring theme of potential cover-ups by authorities is also present, as seen in the survey results and discussions about withheld information.

This issue of UFO-Information, published in 1972, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including a significant expedition to Namsenfjorden in Norway, discussions on the possibility of life on Mars, and eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings in Sweden. The magazine also features a report on a UFO-Sverige conference and a detailed account of a claimed UFO encounter by Helge Lindroos.

Namsenfjorden Expedition and Underwater Findings

The issue details an expedition to Namsenfjorden, Norway, organized by NUFOC (Norsk UFO Center). The expedition aimed to investigate mysterious findings in the area, including "uplifts" detected by sonar on the fjord bottom and unusual triangular imprints found on the seabed. A particularly intriguing event was the cracking of a camera lens during underwater photography at a depth of 80 meters, resulting in a completely black film, which the investigators found inexplicable.

The article "Varför sprack kameralinsen?" (Why did the camera lens crack?) recounts the experiences of the expedition leader, Kolbjörn Stenödegård, who, despite not finding the sought-after "space bus," believed the numerous landings in the area signified something important. The investigation involved underwater photography and sonar mapping of four key areas in Sundsraasa.

The magazine includes a map of the Namsenfjorden area, highlighting several locations related to UFO sightings and findings, such as Valsetuvika, Sundsraasa, Kjölsöya, and Leirvikholmen. Specific incidents mentioned include the discovery of 89 circles and three triangles in Kjölsöya on June 11, 1972, and radioactive triangular imprints found near Leirvikholmen on June 25, 1972. An invitation is extended to interested individuals to join the upcoming summer expedition.

Life on Mars and the Viking Missions

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the potential for life on Mars and the upcoming Viking missions. The article "OM LIV FINNS PÅ PLANETEN MARS, VÄNTAR FANTASTISK INMUTNING VETENSKAPARNA INOM BIOKEMIN" (If Life Exists on the Planet Mars, a Fantastic Immersion Awaits Scientists in Biochemistry) by Florent Sickenga details the ambitious Mars Viking program. Two Titan-Centaur rockets were to launch spacecraft, each consisting of a satellite and a lander, with the goal of reaching Mars and searching for signs of life in the Chryse region.

The article highlights the risks involved in the nearly 11-month journey and the complex landing procedures, which included heat shields and parachutes to manage the descent through Mars' thin atmosphere. The landers were equipped with scoops and small biological laboratories to analyze soil samples. The central question posed is whether life, even in microbial form, exists or has existed on Mars.

Further discussion on Mars life is presented in an article referencing Soviet research by B. Konovalov. He suggests that Mars might have once had a denser, moister atmosphere and that life could have evolved from organic compounds, similar to theories about Earth. The article also touches upon the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations "seeding" planets with life, citing the universal genetic code found in all living organisms.

UFO Sightings in Sweden

The magazine features several eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings in Sweden:

• Århult, Winter 1967: Ingemar Eriksson reported seeing two dark red objects, resembling "new moons," hovering over a forest.
• Medåker, June 1969: Birgit and Erland Lundkvist observed a short, cigar-shaped craft with five illuminated windows passing at a low altitude, emitting a faint humming sound.
• E-18 near Örebro, September 1973: Stellan Svensson, Siv, and Torbjörn Pihlgren witnessed a large, disc-shaped object with a red blinking light and a dome-like protrusion, which rapidly ascended and disappeared.
• Arboga, August 1965: A farmer observed a powerful, silent beam of light illuminating a birch grove, which remained stationary before a smaller light point moved away.

UFO-Sverige Conference and Keynote Speeches

The issue reports on the UFO-Sverige's 6th national conference held in Västerås, which was attended by 600 people. The conference featured keynote speeches by Anders Gernandt and Dag Romell.

Anders Gernandt, a Member of Parliament, discussed broad topics including defense, business, and healthcare, but also delved into the fringe sciences and parapsychology. He emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind towards UFO phenomena and cautioned against dismissing those who report unusual experiences.

Civilingenjör Dag Romell focused on the concept of creativity, criticizing the Swedish education system and academia for stifling creative thinking. He argued that a lack of creativity hinders societal progress and the ability to address complex issues, including the UFO phenomenon. Romell suggested that a more open and creative approach is needed to understand the unknown.

Helge Lindroos's UFO Account

The final part of a series by Helge Lindroos details his alleged experience aboard a UFO in 1947. He describes the interior of the craft, which included specialized rooms for observation, biology, physics, and general functions. Lindroos recounts the advanced technology, including large lenses in the observation room that provided incredible magnification, and smaller "observation UFOs" launched from the main craft. He also describes the craft's landing mechanism and its departure, noting a color change in a ring around the vessel and a blue blinking light from a dome.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Information reflects a strong interest in investigating unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a call for rigorous investigation, as exemplified by the Namsenfjorden expedition and the detailed reporting on scientific endeavors like the Mars Viking missions. There is also a recurring theme of the importance of critical thinking and creativity in approaching complex and potentially paradigm-shifting subjects. The magazine encourages public participation in investigations and emphasizes the need for a scientific yet open-minded approach to UFO research.

This issue of UFO-TRYCK, dated 1975, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena and paranormal research, featuring a unique Swedish sighting, a critique of a prominent ufology debunker, and an exploration of Soviet scientific endeavors in the psychic realm.

POJKAR SKRÄMDE IVÄG TELEMETER-SKIVA MED HJÄLP AV OLLONPISTOL

The cover story details a remarkable encounter on March 2, 1974, near Sköllersta, Sweden. Nine-year-old Torbjörn Andersson and eleven-year-old Christer Gustavsson were in a forest clearing when they observed a strange object hovering about half a meter above the ground. They described it as resembling a bicycle wheel with a smaller inner wheel, both light yellow, with a light yellow point moving back and forth over them. As they approached to within 1.5-2 meters, they experienced sensations akin to electric shocks and a tingling in their lower bodies. Their dog also became agitated. The object remained stationary until Torbjörn fired his ollonpistol (a type of toy gun), at which point it vanished. The boys reported the incident to their parents and later recounted it to investigators. A dowsing rod was used at the site, initially pointing upwards and then downwards towards the location of the rings. No magnetic disturbances were detected at the observation site, but a water vein 10 meters away did register a dowsing anomaly.

EN JOURNALIST AVLIVAR UFO-MYTEN...

This section reviews a book by journalist Philip J. Klass, titled 'UFOs Explained,' which aims to debunk UFO myths. The reviewer acknowledges Klass's journalistic background and technical expertise as an electrical engineer and editor for 'Aviation Week.' Klass reportedly visited 'crime scenes' and interviewed people, drawing conclusions based on his findings. The review highlights Klass's efforts to explain away radar observations as faulty equipment or atmospheric phenomena, and his dismissal of plastic balloons as the cause of sightings like the one in Seattle in 1968. The author of the review expresses skepticism about Klass's approach, particularly his suggestion that 'suspicious journalists' and 'trained lawyers' would be better equipped to analyze UFO cases than scientists like Hynek, Poher, and Vallée. The review suggests that Klass and Eugen Semitjov (another author mentioned) might be attempting to create a counter-wave against the abundance of UFO literature. Despite Klass's attempts to debunk, the reviewer asserts that thousands of well-documented UFO reports cannot be erased and calls for Klass to broaden his perspective and inject more creativity into his work.

Tro eller vetande?

This short piece, attributed to 'George,' discusses the relationship between faith ('tro') and knowledge ('vetande'). It argues that these two concepts should not be seen as opposing but rather as complementary. True faith contains a core of knowledge, and higher knowledge includes a kernel of faith. The author suggests that excessive focus on material possessions and worldly knowledge can lead to a superficial happiness, and that true fulfillment comes from harmonizing faith and knowledge to seek a higher purpose beyond material existence. The piece encourages readers to embrace the possibilities of faith to enrich their lives and reach their destiny.

FICK ELDBOLL I ANSIKTET – BLEV BLIND

This article recounts an incident involving Eddie Doyle Webb, a 45-year-old truck driver from Greenville, Missouri. While driving, Webb saw a bright light and an aluminum object resembling a flying saucer moving at high speed behind his truck. He woke his wife, Welma, who also witnessed the object, described as oval with a spinning, reddish-yellow light at the top. Webb leaned out of the window to get a better look and was struck by a fireball in the face, causing him to lose his glasses and become temporarily blind. He managed to stop the truck safely. Webb stated he didn't know what the object was, but others assumed it was a UFO. His wife confirmed his statement and noted that one lens of his glasses had fallen out of the frame. Webb was taken to the hospital, and his glasses were examined by Dr. Harley Rutledge, who confirmed that the glasses had been exposed to very high temperatures. The source is cited as 'New UFO Sightings, Can.' and translated by Sam Rozner.

PSI Psykiska upptäckter bakom Järnridån

This is a review of the book 'PSI Psykiska upptäckter bakom Järnridån' (PSI Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain) by Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder, translated into Swedish by Edward Brehmer. The reviewer praises the book as a significant event in the Swedish market, describing it as comprehensive and well-documented. It presents facts about psychic research in official laboratories from Prague to Moscow. The book features international mediums, including the legendary Wolf Messing, who was tested by Stalin. It discusses the potential of human psychic abilities and Messing's prediction that humanity will eventually understand these phenomena. The review highlights the book's inclusion of scientific authorities and institutions involved in this research, noting that the political support appears to be from high levels, despite the prevailing materialism in communist ideology, with a focus on practical, often military, applications of psi. The article mentions Soviet astrophysicist Nikolai Kozyrev's theory that 'time' is a form of energy, suggesting that variations in its flow could enable levitation. It also covers the scientific research into dowsing in the Soviet Union, with groups of geologists, geophysicists, and physiologists studying its use for solving technical problems like locating underground cables, water pipes, and mineral deposits. The review notes that dowsing has also been used militarily by American Marines in Vietnam to find tunnels and bombs. The 'Kirlian effect' is discussed, explaining the visible radiation from an astral body around an amputated limb, which could explain phantom limb sensations. The research of Colonel Alaxei Krivorotov and biochemist Milan Ryzl is also mentioned. Ryzl's work suggests that parapsychology indicates a higher reality beyond the material world. The book also touches upon how the UFO issue is handled in the East, including an interview with a Soviet scientist who claimed to have seen several UFOs. Furthermore, ESP training for cosmonauts is discussed, with Professor I. Gellerstein suggesting that cosmonauts will need to develop precognitive abilities to handle extreme speeds and dangerous situations in space. The review concludes by commending the publisher for making this work available in Swedish.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, paranormal research, and related skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various cases and research findings while also critically examining claims and debunking attempts. There is a clear interest in international developments, particularly from the Soviet Union, and a willingness to question established scientific paradigms. The magazine seems to advocate for a broader understanding of reality that may extend beyond the purely material, as suggested by the 'Tro eller vetande?' piece and the review of the Soviet psi research book.