UFO Information - 1977 No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO INFORMATION
Issue: Nr 6, Årgång 9
Date: 1977
Publisher: UFO-SVERIGE
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0346-3540

This issue of UFO INFORMATION, published by UFO-SVERIGE, focuses on UFO phenomena with a strong emphasis on the Nyköping incident of January 8, 1977. The magazine is a periodical for current UFO events and increased knowledge about UFO phenomena, serving as the organ for the national organization UFO-Sverige.

Cover Story: Nyköpingsfallet

The cover story, "Nyköpingsfallet, årets kanske mest intressanta svenska UFO-händelse!" (The Nyköping Case, this year's perhaps most interesting Swedish UFO event!), details an extensive investigation into a UFO sighting that occurred on January 8, 1977, in Nyköping. The article, compiled by Carl-Anton Mattsson, presents a detailed account based on over 50 witness testimonies. The observation took place between approximately 14:30 and 15:55, with witnesses reporting multiple objects, some described as cigar-shaped, bulb-shaped, or disc-shaped, and often red in color. Several witnesses also reported seeing conventional aircraft, such as jet planes, in the vicinity. The objects were consistently described as silent and exhibiting unusual movements, including hovering and rapid acceleration. The article includes specific witness accounts, such as that of Fru Alvine Öhman, who observed a large, red, stationary object over the Sunlight factory, and Fr. Pakkala, who described multiple glowing red objects near a hospital and a smokestack.

UFO Activity Throughout the Evening

The report extends to observations made later in the evening of January 8th. Hilding Eriksson reported seeing two red, round objects moving from east to northwest around 22:00. Further observations were made by Rune Clazon near Aspö around 23:55, and a witness from Oxelösund reported a red and white light moving from northeast to southeast shortly after midnight. These later sightings shared characteristics with the earlier daytime observations, including color and pulsating light.

Common Characteristics and Analysis

The compilation of reports highlights several recurring characteristics: a predominantly red color, the presence of multiple objects (often with one or two larger ones accompanied by smaller ones), silent operation, and unusual movement patterns. The objects were often described as appearing suddenly and disappearing without apparent acceleration, sometimes seeming to 'cease to exist.' The analysis suggests that the objects were not conventional aircraft or natural phenomena, given the consistency and detail of the witness accounts.

Military and Official Responses

The investigation included inquiries to local military authorities. F 11 reported no military aircraft in the air during the incident, while F 13 stated they had no aircraft airborne after 14:00 but were on standby. The Swedish Air Force's Defense Staff confirmed no Swedish military planes were in the area after 14:00, though they could not rule out incident response flights. A request for the investigation material was later received from Milostad Öst.

UFO Research and Alleged CIA Involvement

A significant section of the magazine delves into the alleged involvement of the CIA in UFO research. Citing a former security agent, Ted Zachary, the article suggests that the CIA has been actively collecting UFO data since 1948, both from domestic and foreign sources. Zachary claims to have personally witnessed CIA involvement in UFO investigations, including radar observations of unidentified flying objects that were quickly classified. He also mentions that high-ranking officers and CIA researchers were convinced of the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs but were powerless to prove it. The article implies that the CIA's Covert Action Staff has worked to spread misinformation about UFOs to maintain public trust and conceal the phenomenon's true nature.

Historical Case: The Norrland Encounter (1955)

The magazine also features a historical account from 1955 in Norrland, Sweden. A man, who remained anonymous, recounted an experience where he and two brothers witnessed a cigar-shaped object crash in the forest. Upon investigating, they found no wreckage but encountered a small, uniformed being radiating a white light. The being spoke perfect Swedish, warning them not to touch it. This story is presented as an example of potential encounters with non-human entities.

Other Content and Editorial Notes

The issue includes a table of contents listing various articles, such as "Nya friska tag för UFO 1978!" (New impetus for UFO 1978!), "UFO-forskning ingår i CIA's rutiner!" (UFO research is part of CIA's routines!), and "Vetenskapsmän tror sig veta hur UFO flyger" (Scientists believe they know how UFOs fly). There is also information about UFO-Sverige's exhibition materials, past issues, and subscription details. The editorial, "Ledare: Nya friska tag för UFO 1978!", thanks readers for their support in 1977 and urges them to subscribe for 1978, highlighting the importance of a strong subscriber base for the magazine's continued publication. The editorial also mentions the upcoming 10-year anniversary of UFO-Motala in 1978 and the founding of the national organization in 1970.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of specific UFO sightings, particularly the Nyköping incident, the alleged cover-up and involvement of intelligence agencies like the CIA, and the historical context of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of earnest inquiry and a desire to inform the public about UFO events, while also acknowledging the challenges of obtaining definitive proof and the potential for official secrecy. The magazine relies heavily on witness testimony and investigative reporting, presented in a serious and dedicated manner by its volunteer staff.

This issue of "UFONAUTER I SVERIGE" (Ufonauts in Sweden), volume 1, issue 11, dated 1977, focuses on UFO sightings, encounters, and investigative efforts. The cover headline, "Mötte fyra varelser i 'flygaroveraller'!" (Met four beings in 'flight suits'!), highlights a key story.

Encounter with Beings in 'Flight Suits'

The issue details a remarkable encounter experienced by reindeer herder Nils Tomas Labba near Övre Soppero, Sweden, on February 27, 1977. Labba observed four beings dressed in brown "flight suits" on the shore of Lake Poijujare. After approximately four minutes, they vanished into a pulsating aerial phenomenon that ascended in a wide arc. Labba described the beings as human-like, with wide shoulders, yellowish skin, sunken black eyes without whites, and faces with large scars. Their hands were small with five slender fingers, and their clothing was a tight-fitting red metallic uniform. He noted their feet had soles that vibrated, allowing them to roll without moving their legs. One being wore a self-illuminating metallic belt with a buckle featuring a yellow UV symbol. This stranger claimed to be "crushed inside" and that his suit kept him alive. He produced a small rectangular object with twelve indentations, which he used with a metal stylus, stating it would signal his friends. He also mentioned that someone was waiting for him where he came from. The stranger then lay down as if sleeping, in pain. Labba and two brothers helped move the stranger into a sack, which emitted a sulfurous smell and caused their hands to feel raw. When the sack was placed in the river, it began to bubble and boil, and after five minutes, nothing remained.

UFO Investigation Training

The magazine reports on the first international training course for field researchers organized by UFO-Sverige's central group in Köping on September 24-25, 1977. Seventy-three participants, including fourteen women, attended. The training emphasized identifying misinterpretations of known phenomena. Thorvald Berthelsen introduced the course, highlighting common errors in newspaper reports about UFOs. The training covered interview methodology and witness psychology, with examples of poor interviews. A practical exercise involved investigating a discovered landing imprint. Participants were divided into groups to investigate a "conventional imprint with three slightly scorched depressions." Another imprint was found that was more skillfully faked. The course also covered 'borderline phenomena' and procedures for contacting authorities and the media. UFO-Sverige's collaboration with Swedish defense authorities was also discussed. The training concluded with a summary and evaluation, leading to plans for an "Instruction Manual for Field Researchers" and future courses in different locations.

Finnish Ufology

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the state of ufology in Finland. Aaro Laine, chairman of the Enköping UFO association, visited Finland to discuss the idea of a Scandinavian UFO center with K. Stenödegård of the Norwegian UFO-Center. The Finnish organization "Suomen Ufotutkijat ry" (Finnish UFO Researchers), founded in 1973, has about 35 members and an archive of over 3,000 reports. However, the organization faces internal disagreements and a lack of active field researchers. The magazine "Ultra," which covers topics like yoga, parapsychology, and mysticism, has minimal UFO content due to its ownership structure. The article notes that previous attempts to establish dedicated UFO magazines in Finland, like "UFO-Aika," failed due to insufficient demand despite high print runs. The current state of Finnish ufology is characterized by poor cooperation between different groups and a lack of initiative in organizing public events. Reijo Sjögren, a prominent Finnish ufologist, reportedly withdrew from active involvement due to these issues, having invested over 50,000 SEK of his own money in the field.

Other Sightings and Phenomena

Several other UFO sightings are reported:

• Kalmar, June 26, 1977: A woman observed an object moving rapidly towards the southwest, emitting red, green, blue, and yellow sparks.
• Köping, July 10, 1977: A yellow-red object, comparable in size to Venus, was seen moving steadily. Six smaller objects were later observed moving in a similar fashion.
• Åkersberga, August 6, 1977: Two lens-shaped objects were seen moving rapidly just below and in front of an airplane.
• Hjälmaren, August 17, 1977: A cigar-shaped, aluminum-colored object was observed hovering silently for about five seconds before disappearing.
• Köping, August 24, 1977: An unidentified flying object, estimated to be 10-15 meters long, was observed flying at low altitude and was tracked by military radar. It was described as having no wings and moving silently.
• Gällö, September 8, 1977: Seven people independently observed an intensely luminous object moving relatively slowly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, distinguishing between genuine sightings and misinterpretations. UFO-Sverige's commitment to training field researchers and establishing clear protocols for reporting and investigation is evident. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, while maintaining a critical approach to evidence and avoiding sensationalism. The challenges faced by ufological organizations, both in Sweden and Finland, are highlighted, suggesting a need for better cooperation and more active engagement.

This issue of UFO-TRYCK, dated March 18, 1978, focuses on UFO sightings and scientific theories regarding UFO propulsion. The cover features actor Per Ragnar and a headline about scientists understanding UFO flight. The magazine includes eyewitness accounts of sightings in Sweden and a discussion of a widely observed light phenomenon attributed to a Soviet space launch.

Eyewitness Accounts of UFO Sightings

Lars Edler's Observation

Homeowner Lars Edler describes an object he saw while standing on his porch. He initially mistook it for the moon or a bright star but noticed it was moving. The object traveled at helicopter speed at an altitude of approximately 100 to 150 meters, emitting a light similar to a car headlight but with a slightly redder hue. The light was intense enough to reflect off the Landsomfjärden water. Edler observed the object for five to eight minutes. It moved in front of clouds and then disappeared behind a mountain, reappearing later. As it turned its rear towards him, the light became dimmer and redder. It then moved north, turned west, and gradually faded from sight.

Hackås Sighting

Minutes later, the same object was reportedly seen in Hackås, four miles further west, by Anna Persson and her 15-year-old son, Sverker. They described it as gliding a few hundred meters above the ground, with a round light source. The edge of the forest, about 600 to 700 meters from their house, was illuminated as if by a spotlight directed downwards from the object. They ran outside to listen but heard nothing. The time was approximately 8:20-8:25 PM.

Intense Light Phenomenon on September 14, 1977

An intense light phenomenon, observed simultaneously across a large part of Sweden on September 14, 1977, at around 7:30 PM, generated considerable media attention. The reports included frightened teenagers and younger children describing their 'terrifying' experiences. The event triggered a major alarm within the sea rescue services along the west coast and the Öresund strait, leading the Coast Guard's communication center in Glumslöv to order customs cruisers and the Helsingborg pilot service to respond. The article clarifies that it was not a 'flying saucer' but a 'report center' is working on the case. However, some information is still missing before a definitive explanation can be provided, as the deadline for the report was September 30.

Mystical Celestial Phenomenon - Not So Mystical?

On September 20, 1977, at 2:00 AM, an intense light phenomenon, similar to the previous report, was observed in central Sweden, Finland, and the Soviet Union. UFO-Sverige's report center received about 50 reports, and their field researchers conducted thorough interviews. Their conclusion is that the observed phenomenon originated from the Russian launch of Cosmos 955. The press had extensively covered the sightings, using headlines like 'flying saucer' and 'UFO.' The Soviet news agency Tass reported the event, describing it as jellyfish-shaped, emitting numerous rays and light, and moving over Lake Onega. It also mentioned gray clouds with a semicircular opening of bright red. The official Russian news agency questioned a scientist at a city observatory who confirmed the phenomenon was still a mystery but acknowledged it was witnessed by many reliable individuals. Experts at the Pulkovo Observatory in Leningrad speculated it could be a meteorite. Tass concluded that it was difficult to determine the cause without analyzing all incoming information.

The article suggests that the scientists questioned by Tass may not have been pre-informed about the Cosmos 955 launch. A peculiar detail reported by Rune Torstensson, a security guard in Västervik, is a strange, burnt, and stinging smell that lingered for a few seconds after the phenomenon disappeared, similar to opening a soda bottle. Two police officers, Per-Axel Lidman and Torgny Rydebring, also reported this smell near Lake Malmen outside Katrineholm.

1978 UFO-Sverige National Meeting

The issue announces the 1978 national meeting of UFO-Sverige, to be held on Saturday, March 18, at Folkets Hus on Norra Bantorget in Stockholm. The event is described as a major undertaking, with significant expenses for venue rental and advertising. The meeting will feature an external part open to the public, including opening remarks by UFO-Sverige chairman Thorvald Berthelsen and founder Carl-Axel Jonzon. UFO-Sverige's silent film will be shown. Several speakers are scheduled: actor Per Ragnar will discuss humanistic and life-philosophical topics. Docent in astronomy Aage Sandqvist will present on the conditions for life in the universe. Lieutenant Colonel Anders Hjulström will discuss how the Swedish defense addresses the UFO problem. A panel discussion will include the speakers, along with Sture Wickerts (UFO handler at FOA), Anders Palm (popular science editor), and Anders Gernandt (politician, former test pilot, and rocket constructor). Tickets are priced at 20 kronor and can be purchased in advance.

Scientists Believe They Know How UFOs Fly

This section details the work of three French scientists: Professor Claude Poher, Dr. Maurice Viton, and Dr. Jean-Pierre Petit. They claim to have solved the mystery of UFO propulsion, enabling them to hover like helicopters and travel at supersonic speeds without sonic booms. Their discovery suggests that it is possible for Earth physicists to construct flying saucers within the next eight to ten years. Two members of the research team have already built a working model of a UFO motor. A half-decimeter model of a UFO, when tested in a wind tunnel, achieved a simulated speed three times the speed of sound without generating a sonic boom.

The French Academy of Sciences, known for its conservatism, has reportedly published a scientific document authored by the team, containing all the necessary information and diagrams. American scientists are impressed, with Dr. Jean-Pierre Petit and Dr. Claude Poher having given guest lectures in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.

Dr. Petit and Dr. Viton developed their UFO motor with the help of Dr. Poher's statistical and aerodynamic knowledge at Viton's laboratory in the astronomical observatory in Marseille. Dr. Petit stated that it took nearly seven years to translate their theory into a practical laboratory model. He believes that within eight to ten years, it will be possible to build a UFO capable of interstellar travel. He explained that the UFO motor is complex, utilizing both electromagnetic forces and atomic energy. The working model, measuring one cubic meter, can deliver enormous power.

The scientists' theory posits that a UFO's propulsion system is akin to a mini-hydrogen bomb, but one that controls and directs the energy to generate immense thrust. This energy is used to heat gases, causing them to expand and expel from the rear of the UFO at high speed. A magnetic field then forces these gases down along the outer hull, creating lift. This design also explains the typical disc shape of UFOs, allowing for rapid, silent movement through the air.

Professor Poher agrees that UFOs are nearly silent, comparing the sound of the Petit-Viton motor to the hum of a beehive. The UFO's disc shape also explains its ability to hover and sway like a helicopter when landing. The theory suggests that UFOs use electromagnetic fields, which accounts for their interference with car radios and other equipment, as well as the associated light phenomena.

The article identifies the three scientists: Professor Claude Poher (47), head of the rocket research department at the National Center for Space Studies, who has worked on the Concorde and the Skylab project and analyzed 35,000 UFO observations. Dr. Maurice Viton (35), an astronomer and engineer who developed the highly sensitive Atlas telescope used in Skylab and now heads a laboratory at the Marseille astronomical observatory. Dr. Jean-Pierre Petit (38), a plasma physicist and head of the French government's national organization for scientific research.

The source for this information is the National Enquirer, November 2, 1976, and the translation is by Thorvald Berthelsen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, presenting both eyewitness accounts and scientific investigations. There is a clear interest in demystifying UFOs, as seen in the article attributing a major sighting to a space launch and the detailed explanation of French scientists' theories on UFO propulsion. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the unexplained aspects of UFO reports. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting UFO-related events, such as the upcoming UFO-Sverige national meeting.