UFO Information - 1976 No 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO INFORMATION, published by UFO-Sverige, is dated 1976 and identified as issue number 6. The magazine serves as a journal for current UFO events and aims to increase knowledge about UFO phenomena. It is the official organ of the Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige and is published six times a year. The cover features a striking illustration depicting two grey, large-headed aliens examining a human lying on a table, hinting at themes of alien encounters and abductions. The main cover headline highlights the remarkable similarities between two American accounts of encounters with a UFO and its crew in the autumn of 1975.

Editorial and Staff

The editorial team includes Carl-Axel Jonzon (also the responsible publisher), Thorvald Berthelsen, and Jan Lind. Olow Petersson is responsible for the layout. Other contributors mentioned are Lars Nilsson, Florent Sickenga, Olle Öhman, Jan-Ove Sundberg, Thomas ü Orr, and Carl-Anton Mattsson. The magazine is printed and published by Centralgruppen för Riksorganisationen UFO-SVERIGE in Skänninge, Sweden. Subscriptions and memberships are available for 50 Swedish kronor per year, with payment via Postgiro.

Contents and Articles

UFO and Unexplained Animal Deaths

This section continues a report from a previous issue on unexplained animal deaths, primarily focusing on incidents in Puerto Rico. The article details several cases from January to March 1975, including strange sounds, unusual lights, and the discovery of three triangular imprints in a garden. It also reports on sightings of UFOs, including objects described as stronger than stars moving in zig-zag patterns, a rotating cylinder-like object, and a white-glowing UFO pursuing a car. The article notes a correlation between UFO sightings and animal deaths, though a direct causal link remains unproven. The summary at the end of the section points out that while UFO observations began in January and animal deaths in February, the events often coincided in date and location, with reports ceasing in July. It also highlights 1975 as an unusual year for UFO activity in Puerto Rico, with other mysterious events like unexplained explosions and missing boats.

Intelligent Constructions on the Moon?

This article revisits the topic of unusual formations on the Moon, first observed in photographs taken by the Soviet Luna 9 and American Orbiter-2 missions in 1966 and 1967. The formations, described as geometric arrangements of stones and eight obelisk-shaped objects, have led to hypotheses about intelligent extraterrestrial origins. Dr. S. Ivanov and engineer Dr. A. Bruenko confirmed the regular spacing and dimensions of the stone rows. Soviet scientists noted shadows of obelisks, with NASA estimating their size. Soviet engineer Alexander Abramov analyzed the formations, finding their arrangement to be similar to Egyptian triangles and the layout of the pyramids at Gizeh. A NASA authority acknowledged the photos but stated no intention to explore the formations further, having archived them.

American Flight Sergeant Taken Aboard a UFO

This is a detailed account of Sergeant Charles Moody, a decorated Vietnam veteran, who claims to have had a startling encounter with a UFO near Alamogordo, New Mexico, in August 1975. Moody, whose mental stability was verified by a military psychiatrist, initially kept his experience secret due to fear of ridicule. He reported seeing a disc-shaped object, approximately 12-15 meters in diameter, descend near his car. His car engine died, and he experienced a time loss of 1 hour and 20 minutes. He described being taken aboard the craft, where he encountered tall, slender beings with large heads, dark eyes, and thin lips. They communicated with him telepathically, speaking perfect English. Moody was shown the interior of the craft, including its propulsion system, which he was told was from a much larger, faster ship from a distant star system. The beings indicated their people would reveal themselves within three years and expressed caution regarding nuclear weapons and military aircraft. The article notes striking similarities between Moody's account and the Travis Walton case, including the description of the aliens and the UFO, the examination on a flat table, and the time loss. Moody also reported physical effects after the encounter, such as hair loss and skin blemishes.

A UFO Over the Neighbor's Roof

This article recounts a UFO sighting by Siv Andersson and her 11-year-old son Kenneth in Falun, Sweden, on October 19, 1967. Kenneth spotted a 'flying saucer' that appeared to be landing on a neighbor's roof. The object, described as disc-shaped and about 15-20 meters in diameter, was seen hovering and then moving erratically before ascending rapidly and disappearing. The object was described as having a ribbed line around its lower part and a raised dome. The sighting lasted three minutes, with no audible sound. The article also mentions the possibility of life on Mars and the Viking missions.

No Little Green Men on Mars, But Signs of Life

This article discusses the Viking 1 and 2 missions to Mars, which successfully landed in July and September 1975. It highlights the automatic landing process and the vast distance to Mars, requiring 18 minutes for signals to travel. The article notes that while no 'little green men' have been found, the planet's landscape is described as a rocky desert with a red hue and a blue to yellow-red sky with thin clouds. Evidence of morning fog and moisture, along with argon gas in the atmosphere, suggests conditions that could support primitive life. The presence of water in the soil and sufficient solar energy further supports this possibility. The overall impression is that Mars was once a planet with oceans and an atmosphere comparable to Earth's.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life and technology. The magazine presents a strong interest in unexplained phenomena, particularly those involving alleged abductions and close encounters. There is a clear editorial stance of taking these reports seriously, with articles often citing scientific analysis (like the PSE analysis of Moody's testimony) and noting similarities between different cases to bolster their credibility. The magazine also covers space exploration, specifically the Viking missions to Mars, framing it within the broader context of searching for life beyond Earth. The tone is generally investigative and open to extraordinary claims, encouraging reader contributions and aiming to inform the public about UFO-related events and research.

This issue of UFO-Sverige, dated March 1977, features Professor Martin Johnson as the main speaker at the organization's national meeting on March 19th. The magazine delves into various UFO phenomena, Mars exploration, and historical cases.

Mars Exploration: The Viking Missions

The lead article discusses the findings from the Viking 2 mission on Mars. It highlights the discovery of krypton and Xenon in the Martian atmosphere, similar to Earth's. A significant finding is that the Martian polar ice caps are composed of frozen water, potentially in vast quantities. Despite the current harsh conditions, measurements from Viking instruments suggest the possibility of life on Mars. Theories propose that Mars may have once had a milder climate and oceans due to its lower gravity and atmospheric escape rate, leading to the loss of water over billions of years. Scientists are cautious about confirming life due to incomplete knowledge of Martian soil chemistry and potential unknown conditions.

UFO Sightings in Spain

The issue details a sighting in Burgos, Spain, on April 29, 1975, where three young men reported seeing a bright light, a tall figure with long hair, and a hovering object. The object, described as an egg-shaped sphere with a strong light, followed their car and flew across the road.

UFO-Sverige National Meeting Program

A detailed program for the UFO-Sverige national meeting in Malmö on March 19, 1977, is provided. Key speakers include Professor Martin Johnson, who will present a methodological and theoretical contribution to the UFO question, and Bertil Falk, who will discuss teleportation and the Philadelphia Experiment. The program also includes an opening address, a presentation on UFO-Sverige's development, a film screening, and a Q&A panel.

UFO Wave Over Yugoslavia and Spain

This section reports on a series of sensational UFO observations over Yugoslavia in the autumn of 1975. Numerous reports came from personnel of Yogoslav Airlines, including pilots, air traffic controllers, and engineers. Sightings involved objects described as triangular, round, and changing colors (red, orange, yellow, green). These objects reportedly followed aircraft, caused radio interference, and exhibited unusual flight characteristics. Similar sightings were also reported in Spain.

The Pascagoula Case

The article revisits the Pascagoula case, referencing a previous article in UFO-Information. It details the experience of Charles Hickson and Calvin R Parker Jr, who claimed to have been abducted. Hickson underwent a lie detector test, which was reportedly positive. Parker experienced nervous distress. The report notes that Hickson's watches did not keep correct time, and his arm healed rapidly from a wound.

UFO Sightings Across Sweden

Several short reports document UFO sightings across Sweden in late 1976:

• Södermanland, Nyköping (August 24, 1976): A couple observed five objects moving at high speed, described as round and orange, followed by a grey-white object with wings.
• Västmanland, Kungsör (August 24, 1976): A pulsating object with white, blue, and red lights was observed, moving slowly and making a directional change.
• Värmland, Branäs (August 28, 1976): A strong red, luminous orb was seen hovering over a forest edge, described as silent and moving horizontally.
• Västergötland, Ulricehamn (August 31, 1976): Three lights (one ruby red, two yellowish) were observed moving in formation, with the red light pulsing.
• Öland, Ö Sörby (September 8, 1976): Two objects appeared as bright lights, grew in size, and then moved away at high speed.
• Västerbotten, Burträsk (September 15, 1976): Four boys observed a flat white light that blinked, turned, and disappeared.
• Uppland, Enköping (September 16, 1976): A phenomenon described as a rotating light with a yellow-white glow was observed over Mälaren for 45 minutes.
• Västmanland, Västerås (September 24, 1976): A dark, oval object was seen hovering at low altitude, resembling a flying body with a dome on top.
• Dalarna, Smedjebacken (September 25, 1976): A luminous object with a long thread or tail emitting sparks was observed for several hours.
• Södermanland, Nyköping (September 30, 1976): Fifteen to twenty objects were seen flying in a plow formation, described as bright white lights.
• Småland, Trekanten (October 1, 1976): A red light was observed approaching, stopping, and hovering before disappearing.

Mysterious Pit in Målilla

The magazine reports on a mysterious water-filled pit discovered in a bog in Målilla, Småland. Investigations involving UFO-Sverige, local press, and FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency) were conducted to explore the pit, which yielded metal detector readings. Despite efforts to pump it dry and retrieve objects, the findings were inconclusive, with FOA stating the objects were ordinary stones. The site has since been restricted by the National Heritage Board.

Retroactive Report: Dark Oval Object

A report from Västerås, Västmanland (July 21, 1976), describes a dark, oval object observed hovering in the air before disappearing into the clouds. The object was estimated to be larger than an airplane and at a significant altitude.

Adamski's Photo Re-examined

This section revisits the controversy surrounding George Adamski's famous UFO photograph. It clarifies that the photo was not of a "drink cooler lid" as previously suggested, but rather that the manufacturer used Adamski's photo as a design reference for a cooler. The article also dismisses a claim that it was a "German gas lantern."

University Students' Close Encounter

On January 20, 1975, two university students in West Virginia reported seeing a black, oval object hovering over their house. The object emitted a humming sound and lights. It later moved away and reappeared, observed by other students. A helicopter was later seen in the area.

Radio Signals and UFOs

Reports of mysterious radio signals on shortwave bands, described as a persistent crackling, are discussed. These signals, originating from the east, are disrupting regular radio traffic and have prompted diplomatic inquiries to the Soviet government. Speculation ranges from information transmission to tests of new radar systems or even a weather reactor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, with a strong emphasis on eyewitness accounts and investigations. The magazine presents a wide array of sightings from different locations, suggesting a global interest in UFOs. There's a clear effort to provide detailed reports, including witness testimonies, locations, dates, and descriptions of objects. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities of extraterrestrial or unknown phenomena. The inclusion of scientific investigations (like those by NASA and FOA) alongside more anecdotal reports indicates a balanced approach to the subject matter.

This issue of UFO magazine, published by UFO-Sverige in 1976, focuses on unusual aerial phenomena and the scientific and historical aspects of comets. The cover headline, 'är med där det ovanliga händer!' (is there where the unusual happens!), sets the tone for content that delves into unexplained events and scientific inquiry.

UFO Sighting in Andover, USA (MA 75-4)

The magazine details an incident that occurred on February 20, 1975, in Andover, USA. Two students observed unusual lights and a helicopter that could not be identified. The students reported the sighting, and an investigation was conducted by Raymond Fowler, a MUFON director. Attempts to identify the helicopter by contacting local police, the coast guard, state police, and military bases at Fort Devens and Beverly proved unsuccessful. Even a call to WBZ radio in Boston, which has its own traffic monitoring helicopter, yielded no information. The students, Nancy Rose and Hope Saunders, provided detailed accounts, and one of them managed to photograph the object. The investigator, Girambrone, classified the event as an unidentified flying object (UFO) encounter. Further investigation into the photographic evidence was planned. A follow-up call to the South Weymouth naval air base confirmed they had no helicopters in the air that evening. Raymond Fowler also contacted Lawrence Airport, which operates a helicopter but only on weekends, noting that regular air traffic could explain subsequent UFO reports of light points, but the initial observation seemed to be an 'unknown phenomenon'.

Comets: Remnants of Nebulae and Historical Omens

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to comets, exploring their nature, history, and cultural impact. The article, written by C-E Mathisson, discusses the composition of comets, noting that their tails are made of gas and dust, while the nucleus's nature remains uncertain, with theories ranging from frozen gases to solid rock. The article references historical comets like Kohoutek and Halley's, noting that while Kohoutek was a one-time visitor, Halley's comet became bound to an orbit due to its proximity to Neptune.

Historically, comets were often associated with ill omens, such as pestilence, war, and the downfall of rulers. The article cites examples from ancient times to the 16th century, linking comet sightings to significant events like earthquakes, the destruction of Jerusalem, and various wars and royal deaths. It mentions how these beliefs were exploited by priests during the Crusades. The text also touches upon the naming of comets, derived from the Latin word 'coma' (hair), and how their appearance inspired various fantastical depictions in old engravings, including bloody swords, fiery balls, and monstrous figures.

The article highlights specific bright comets, including Arend Roland's comet in 1957 and Bennett's comet in 1970, noting that while about twenty comets are discovered annually, most are faint. It delves into the scientific understanding of comets, crediting scientists like Hevelius, Dörfel, Newton, and Olbers for their contributions to understanding cometary orbits. The 1744 comet is described as particularly remarkable, with six tails and a brightness visible even in daylight. The article also discusses the telescopic Bielas comet, which split into two, and how its remnants are observed today as meteor showers like the Andromedids.

Looking ahead, the magazine mentions that Halley's comet will be studied from spacecraft upon its return, and expresses hope for a brighter passage than in 1910. The article also notes that the comet's tail was once feared to poison Earth's atmosphere.

New Publications and UFO-Sverige Information

The magazine also serves as a platform to promote related publications and the organization itself. An advertisement showcases a new decal from the central group of UFO-Sverige, designed to raise awareness of the organization. This decal, measuring 390x150mm, is black on yellow vinyl and can be used on cars, briefcases, or displayed in shop windows. It contains fine print directing interested individuals to more information.

DAST-MAGAZINE is introduced as a publication focused on thriller and science fiction, which has recently included articles on UFOs and space history. It suggests a common ground between UFOs and detective stories due to their shared elements of mystery and speculation. DAST-MAGAZINE reviews books and authors in these genres.

SPEKTRA is presented as a new magazine for parapsychology, aiming to cover the paranormal field broadly, including psychology and life questions. It promises to discuss the UFO problem from a different perspective than traditional UFO literature. SPEKTRA is to be published four times a year.

Finally, the magazine provides updated contact information for UFO-INFORMATION, P.O. Box 16, S-59601 Skänninge, Sweden, and contact details for C. A. Jonzon regarding SPEKTRA subscriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO magazine demonstrates a commitment to investigating unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, while also engaging with broader scientific and historical topics like comets. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting of sightings and promoting scientific understanding. The magazine also actively promotes related publications and the UFO-Sverige organization, aiming to build a community of interest in these subjects.