UFO Information - 1977 No 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO INFORMATION, Volume 9, Number 1, dated 1977, is a Swedish publication from ARBETSGRUPPEN FÖR UFOLOGI, serving as the organ for the Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige. It is published six times a year and costs 50 Swedish kronor for a full year's subscription. The cover features a drawing of two humanoid figures within a transparent sphere, surrounded by stars, with a caption detailing a sighting of large beings in a sphere over the Canary Islands on June 22, 1976.

Editorial and Contents

The editorial section, written by Carl-Axel Jonzon, discusses the financial challenges of publishing the magazine, highlighting the need for new printing equipment and the impact of rising paper and postage costs. He expresses gratitude for reader support and donations, which are crucial for the magazine's survival. The issue includes a table of contents with various articles, including:

• "Årets ploj 1976 — FOA avslöjar sig genom dundertabbe!" (This year's prank 1976 — FOA reveals itself through a blunder!)
• "Astralresenär syns som eldklot" (Astral traveler seen as a fireball)
• "19-årig finländare slogs till marken av ljusstråle från UFO" (19-year-old Finn knocked to the ground by a UFO light beam)
• "Talar ETI datorspråk?" (Do ETIs speak computer language?)
• "I morgon lever vi i rymden" (Tomorrow we live in space)
• "Har det hänt nå't?" (Has something happened?)
• "Skall president Jimmy Carter släppa på UFO-sekretessen?" (Will President Jimmy Carter release UFO secrets?)
• "UFO-Sverige drog fullt hus i Stockholm" (UFO-Sweden drew a full house in Stockholm)
• "Är Thörns foton falska?" (Are Thörn's photos fake?)
• "Ljusblå sfär över Kanarieöarna" (Light-blue sphere over the Canary Islands)

The magazine also features a section on a new parapsychology journal called "SPEKTRA" and information about UFO-Sverige's activities and merchandise.

Article Summaries

"Årets ploj 1976 — FOA avslöjar sig genom dundertabbe!" by Thorvald Berthelsen

This article details an incident in Kalix, Sweden, on November 15, 1976, where three boys reported seeing a bright light and finding unusual indentations in the ground. The local newspaper, Norrbottens-Kuriren (NK), covered the story, and it gained national attention. FOA's 'UFO-expert,' Sture Wickerts, quickly provided an explanation, suggesting it was a meteorite impact. However, the boys later admitted it was a prank, intended to fool their UFO-enthusiast friend. They created the marks by burning grass with alcohol and used a flower basket for the larger indentation. The article criticizes FOA's tendency to offer 'natural' explanations for UFO phenomena, suggesting it's a strategy to manage public perception and avoid admitting the existence of unknown aerial phenomena.

"19-årig finländare slogs till marken av ljusstråle från UFO" by Tapani Björkbacka

This piece recounts an incident in Uleåborg, Finland, on November 12, 1976. Seven boys were near a makeshift hut when they observed strange lights. Two of them, Eero Lammi (19) and Seppo Moilanen (15), approached the lights. Eero Lammi reported being hit by a bright light beam from above, causing him intense pain and loss of consciousness. He described feeling a strong beam strike his chest and later woke up in the hut, feeling terrified and experiencing pain. His friends described him falling as if dead, and a light ball seemed to climb a small tree and disappear. Eero also reported seeing strange red spots on his chest, resembling needle pricks. The boys found three fist-sized depressions in the mossy ground behind the trees. The article notes that local electricity services reported no disturbances, and no similar lights were observed in the area. The boys are convinced they saw a UFO.

"Astralresenär syns som eldklot" by Thorvald Berthelsen

This article discusses the case of Stuart "Blue" Harary, a psychology student who claims to be able to leave his body and observe himself from above. Researchers at the Durham, North Carolina Psychical Foundation have been studying his abilities. Harary describes his out-of-body experiences (OBEs) as a gradual separation of his mind from his body, allowing him to see himself and observe events remotely. The article highlights a particularly strange manifestation where Harary appeared as a fireball to a friend while he was supposedly astral traveling. He also recounts instances of passing through solid objects and accurately describing events in a room where only one of two cats was present, as instructed by researchers. The article suggests that OBEs could provide insights into the nature of death and consciousness.

"Talar ETI datorspråk?" by Lars Berglund

This article explores the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) and methods for communication. It begins by referencing historical proposals, such as those by Joseph Johann von Littrow and Karl Friedrich Gauss, who suggested using large-scale geometric patterns (like triangles in fields) to signal intelligence from Mars. The article notes that current scientific understanding suggests any life on Mars would likely be microbial, not advanced enough for such communication. However, it posits that the universe is vast, with billions of planets potentially capable of supporting life. The article discusses the concept of "ETI" (Extra-terrestrial intelligence) and the challenges of communication, given the vast differences in evolution and potential sensory organs. It proposes that binary code, the language of computers, could be a universal means of communication. The article references Frank Drake's work on encoding messages using binary digits (ones and zeros) to convey information about the sender's location, age, and biology. It also mentions the Pioneer 10 probe's plaque, designed by Drake and Carl Sagan, which contains a message for potential extraterrestrial recipients, including information about pulsars and our solar system.

"Gropen i Malillaskogen" and "FOA undersöker nytt hål"

These sections discuss investigations into mysterious craters. The first details the Malillaskogen crater in Småland, where FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency) invested significant resources in investigating what was initially speculated to be a UFO-related event. However, FOA eventually filled the hole, stating no meteorite was found. The second section mentions FOA investigating a new crater discovered in November outside Högsby, where witnesses reported a strange frothing substance around a two-meter-deep, water-filled hole containing a large object at the bottom.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, alleged encounters, and the scientific or official explanations provided, often with a critical stance towards official bodies like FOA. There's a strong interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial contact and communication, as evidenced by the article on binary language. Parapsychology, including astral projection, is also a recurring theme. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, encouraging critical thinking about official explanations and promoting UFO-Sverige's role in investigating and disseminating information to the public, primarily through their own publications.

Title: UFO-Information
Issue: 1/1977 (Volume 4)
Date: 1977
Publisher: UFO-Information
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-Information focuses on the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) and communication, alongside ambitious concepts for space colonization and a comprehensive report on UFO sightings in Sweden during 1976. A prominent feature is the stance of Jimmy Carter, then a presidential candidate, on UFO secrecy.

The Challenge of Interstellar Communication

The article "Trögt samtal" (Slow Conversation) discusses the difficulties of communicating with ETI. It highlights the immense distances involved, leading to significant time delays in any two-way communication. The possibility of receiving signals from civilizations long extinct is also raised. The text emphasizes the need for signals with a discernible structure or rhythm, distinct from natural radio emissions. It questions whether a universal language based on mathematics and physics exists, or if ETI might operate under different axioms. The analogy of the Rosetta Stone is used to illustrate how a common reference point, like an atomic weight table, could unlock understanding, as depicted in H. Beam Piper's novella "Omnilingual."

Bracewell's 'Echo' Theory

Professor R. N. Bracewell of Stanford University proposes an alternative method for announcing one's presence to ETI: sending an unmanned probe to tour star systems. Upon finding an inhabited planet, the probe would enter orbit, record its radio signals, and re-transmit them back to the origin with a delay. This would create an "incomprehensible echo" for the inhabitants, signaling the presence of an unknown civilization without direct dialogue. The article notes Bracewell's skepticism towards terrestrial explanations for reported signal delays in 1927, 1928, and 1934, suggesting the possibility of past ETI visits.

Space Colonization Concepts

"I morgon, lever vi i rymden" (Tomorrow, we will live in space) details the visionary plans of Professor Gerard O'Neill and his team at NASA's Ames Research Center. They propose building "Habitats" – large, cylindrical space settlements designed to house millions of people, offering Earth-like environments with landscapes, rivers, and swimming pools. These structures, approximately 32 km long and 6 km in diameter, would be shielded by lunar slag. The construction would primarily utilize materials from the Moon. O'Neill's group also identifies Lagrange points, approximately 400,000 km from Earth and the Moon, as ideal locations for these habitats due to their orbital stability.

The article further describes the "Rymdhjulet" (Space Wheel), a smaller "mini-colony" designed for ten thousand inhabitants, which would rotate to simulate gravity. It would feature living quarters on the rim and laboratories in the hub. The construction of these space settlements is estimated to cost significantly more than the Apollo program.

Professor Carl Sagan's proposal to make Venus habitable by introducing carbon-dioxide-consuming algae is also mentioned. Additionally, the concept of "Dyson spheres," proposed by Professor Freeman Dyson, is discussed – artificial planets created from the large planets in our solar system, enabling advanced cultures to travel to other star systems and make them habitable. Dyson also speculates about the possibility of artificial stellar explosions to generate new minerals and energy.

UFO Sightings in Sweden, 1976

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to reporting UFO sightings from Sweden in 1976, noting an increase in activity compared to previous years, particularly 1973. The reports are compiled by Thorvald Berthelsen and include detailed accounts from various regions:

• Västergötland: Sightings of luminous, metallic, disc-shaped objects, some silent and descending.
• Gästrikland: A bright light observed moving horizontally.
• Västergötland: An object that changed color and emitted light beams.
• Ångermanland: Multiple sightings of an oval, red-glowing object moving at high speed.
• Östersjön (Baltic Sea): Two clear, bright light phenomena observed from a ship.
• Södermanland: A loud, unexplained detonation heard over Stockholm.
• Södermanland: A large, strange object observed hovering at low altitude.
• Småland: A luminous object described as a "flying saucer" with glowing windows.
• Västmanland: A bright, blinking light observed in the sky.
• Lappland: An incident involving a collision with a "light ball" that caused physical effects on the witness.
• Norrbotten: A luminous object observed from a plane, described as a "flying saucer."
• Dalarna: A luminous object seen under clouds, moving silently.
• Västmanland: A "classic saucer-shaped" object observed with unusual lights and emitting smoke.
• Småland: Three red, glowing orbs forming a triangle.
• Småland: A cigar-shaped object observed, followed by a round object.
• Södermanland: A red object observed in front of a traffic plane.
• Västmanland: An oval, tilted object observed moving at high speed.
• Södermanland: A large light ball observed with two smaller ones circling it, which then merged into the larger one.
• Norrbotten: A luminous, egg-shaped object observed moving in a sharp, angular turn.
• Västmanland: Two luminous orbs observed above treetops.
• Uppland/Södermanland: An egg-shaped, yellow-glowing object tracked by UFO-Sweden's air surveillance system.
• Angermanland: A large, oblong object observed over a military installation, exhibiting unusual flight patterns.

Jimmy Carter and UFO Secrecy

The cover story focuses on Jimmy Carter's public statements regarding UFOs. It highlights his claim of having personally witnessed a UFO in Thomaston, Georgia, in 1973. Carter promised that if elected president, he would declassify all secret UFO material held by the U.S. government. This stance generated excitement among UFO enthusiasts. The article includes testimonies from his family and associates, emphasizing his credibility as a nuclear physicist and his belief in the need for UFO investigations. The potential impact of a president releasing such information is discussed, with NICAP's head, Jack Acuff, noting it would be a significant event for scientists and the public.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific and philosophical implications of potential extraterrestrial contact, the feasibility of space colonization, and the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the need for critical study and scientific investigation. The magazine aims to inform its readers about the latest developments in UFO research and related scientific and speculative fields.

This issue of UFO-Sverige, dated 1977, focuses on UFO-related news, investigations, and organizational matters within the Swedish ufology community. The cover prominently features the question, "Are Thörn's photos fake?", indicating a significant internal debate about photographic evidence. A smaller headline also highlights a sighting of a light blue sphere over the Canary Islands.

Article: Gerald Ford's Optimism 10 Years Ago

This section presents a letter from Congressman Gerald Ford to Representative L. Mendel Rivers, dated March 28, 1966. Ford expresses his belief that the American public deserves a more thorough explanation of UFO phenomena than what the Air Force, through its Project Blue Book, is providing. He notes that many UFO reports originate from his home state of Michigan and that astrophysicist Dr. J. Allen Hynek, consulted by the Air Force, dismissed many reports as misidentifications of natural phenomena. Ford disagrees with this easy dismissal and suggests that either scientists and astronomers or a government department should investigate UFOs. He proposes forming an objective and respected panel, including government representatives and witnesses, to study the evidence. Ford references articles by Roscoe Drummond, who also called for a more credible and objective evaluation of UFO evidence, and a UPI report from Ann Arbor, Michigan, detailing a sighting by multiple witnesses, including police officers. Ford concludes by urging the formation of a committee to objectively investigate UFOs and provide a clear explanation to the public.

Article: UFO-Sweden Drew a Full House in Stockholm

This article reports on a successful information event held by UFO-Sverige at Stockholm's Medborgarhus on October 16th. The event attracted 688 attendees, with approximately 500 people unable to get in due to the venue's capacity. The article mentions the presence of American ufologist and author John A. Keel, who was impressed by the turnout, noting that a similar event in New York would have had half the audience. UFO-Sverige representatives Carl-Axel Jonzon and Thorvald Berthelsen spoke about the organization's development since 1969, its financial difficulties, and the opposition from older ufologists. Berthelsen detailed UFO-Sverige's goals, including following up on reported phenomena and discarding about 70% of misidentifications, leaving 30% for further investigation. The event included a screening of Central Group's film and a Q&A session with a panel that included Anders Palm and Owe E. Lewitzki. Despite many questions being raised, not all attendees had the opportunity to speak. The audience reaction was overwhelmingly positive.

Article: UFO Secrecy?

This section discusses the information event in Stockholm, highlighting the large number of attendees and the challenges of accommodating everyone. It mentions John A. Keel's surprise at the high level of interest in Sweden compared to the US. Carl-Axel Jonzon and Thorvald Berthelsen presented the organization's history, financial struggles, and opposition from some older ufologists. Thorvald Berthelsen explained that UFO-Sverige aims to investigate reported phenomena, with about 70% being quickly dismissed as misidentifications. The article notes the growing media interest in UFOs, attributing it to local groups taking more initiative in contacting the press. This increased media coverage helps inform the public and attract new members. The importance of quickly involving local press in UFO investigations, while being cautious and avoiding hasty conclusions, is emphasized. The positive impact of public engagement through events featuring Central Group's film is also discussed. The article touches upon the financial difficulties faced by UFO-Sverige and the need for member solidarity and donations to the support fund. Improvements in investigating UFO cases are also mentioned, with a new field researcher handbook to be published in the spring. The discussion also covered the publication of serious UFO literature, noting that while UFO-Sverige currently lacks the resources to publish books itself, its activities are fostering an environment where more publishers are willing to release UFO-related books.

Article: Are Thörn's Photos Fake?

This article delves into a debate within UFO-Sverige initiated by Frank Östergren regarding the authenticity of UFO photographs taken by Lars Thörn at Skillingaryd in 1971. An interview with Thörn did not yield new information to allay suspicions. Due to the ongoing investigation and debate, UFO-Sverige's Central Group has decided to temporarily remove the photo from their film. The article warns of the risk of rumors reaching the press before a thorough assessment can be made, which could lead to a distorted presentation of the suspicion, especially since Thörn's photos are internationally known. The article reiterates UFO-Sverige's stance that still images of UFOs do not constitute proof and should be regarded as curiosities, interesting but not valuable as arguments.

Article: Light Blue Sphere Over the Canary Islands

This piece details several UFO sightings over the Canary Islands in the past two years, including landings and low-altitude flights. The most notable incident occurred on June 22, 1976, in Galdar, Gran Canaria. Doctor Francisco Julio Padron Leon, while traveling to a patient, witnessed a perfect sphere about sixty meters from his car. The sphere was described as light blue, transparent, and the size of a three-story house, with an oval shape on top and a silver platform with three forward-leaning panels below. Inside, two large beings in red clothing were observed. The witnesses experienced a chilling cold, the car's radio stopped working, but the car still had power. When the car's high beams were turned on, the UFO ascended to the height of a nearby house. A transparent tube emerged from the sphere, emitting a blue gas. The sphere grew to the size of a house before rapidly ascending towards Tenerife. The total observation time was approximately 25 minutes. Another incident occurred on the night of June 24th, when a UFO reportedly landed on a leek field owned by Gil Gonzales, leaving a burned circular imprint about 30 meters in diameter. Thousands of tourists visited the site.

Internal Planning Conference

The morning of the event included an internal planning conference with about 50 representatives from 14 UFO-Sverige groups. The conference aimed to review current activities, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes. Unlike the fast-paced annual general meetings, these conferences allow for more personal discussions. The conference began with a discussion on the increasing and serious media interest in UFOs, noting that the press now covers the topic more broadly, including UFO-Sverige's activities. This is attributed to local groups acting more independently and proactively engaging with the media. The importance of prompt local press involvement in UFO investigations, with careful and non-biased statements, was stressed. The positive impact of public engagement through events featuring Central Group's film was also highlighted. Discussions also covered the financial challenges faced by the organization and the need for member support. Improvements in investigating UFO cases were discussed, with a new field researcher handbook to be published in the spring. The article also mentions the discussion of publishing serious UFO literature, noting that while UFO-Sverige lacks immediate resources for publishing, their work is creating an environment for increased demand and publisher interest.

Sökaren (The Seeker) Advertisement

This section is an advertisement for "Sökaren," described as a highly readable magazine for questions of worldview. It lists articles from its 1976 issue, including topics like UFO history, magnetism, reincarnation, and natural science and mysticism. It also lists several contributing writers and provides subscription details.

Book Review: "UFO-utmaningen" by K. Gösta Rehn

This is a review of K. Gösta Rehn's fourth and final book, "UFO-utmaningen." The reviewer notes that Rehn's book heavily relies on Professor Allen J. Hynek's "The UFO Experience," dedicating nearly a third of the book to it. The reviewer suggests that many readers might prefer Hynek's book translated in its entirety rather than in selected excerpts. The review mentions Rehn's discussion of propaganda surrounding UFOs and the CIA's role, as well as his treatment of UFO evidence. Rehn is criticized for dismissing international authors like John A. Keel and Jacques Vallee, whom he labels as occultists if they interpret UFO phenomena differently. Rehn's central thesis is that UFOs are mechanical vehicles from our own physical universe. The reviewer notes that Rehn's book was written under difficult circumstances, including impaired vision and advanced age. The review acknowledges the value of Rehn's previous books: "De flygande tefaten, dokument och teori" (1966), "UFO! Nya fakta om de flygande tefaten" (1969), and "Tefaten är här" (1972).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the need for objective investigation into UFO phenomena, questioning official explanations and advocating for public access to information. There is a strong focus on the activities and challenges of UFO-Sverige, including its organizational structure, media relations, and financial needs. The issue also highlights the debate surrounding photographic evidence, suggesting a cautious approach to its interpretation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, critical of perceived cover-ups, and supportive of witness testimony, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous analysis and the distinction between evidence and curiosity.