UFO Information - 1978 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-INFORMATION
Issue: 1
Volume: 1978
Issue Date: January 1978
Publisher: UFO-Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0346-3540
Price: 50 SEK per year

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION, published by UFO-Sverige, focuses on current UFO events and increasing knowledge about the phenomenon. The cover prominently features the upcoming Swedish premiere of the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', suggesting it might boost UFO interest in the country.

Table of Contents

The issue includes a detailed table of contents, featuring articles such as:

• Editorial: 'Technology and spiritual power must go hand in hand to create a new world.'
• 'New landing at the same place as 1969'
• 'The Zone of Silence'
• 'President Carter orders UFO research'
• 'Spanish Lieutenant General lifts UFO secrecy'
• 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'
• 'Police saw clearly illuminated UFO'
• 'The Bermuda Triangle'
• 'Not the first time UFOs have attacked military aircraft'
• 'NORAD chiefs admit UFO observations'
• 'What's new'
• 'UFO landing at Hönefoss in Norway'
• '1978 National Meeting'

Articles and Features

'Technology and spiritual power must go hand in hand to create a new world.' (Editorial by Jonzon)

The editorial emphasizes the need for technology and spiritual understanding to work together for a better world. It suggests that UFOlogy can serve as a common ground for people with different beliefs and professions. The author expresses a belief that visitors from other worlds have contacted Earth in the past, leading to ancient civilizations worshipping them. The editorial calls for a unification of technological, spiritual, and psychological forces to build a better future.

'New landing at the same place as 1969: Close encounter of the third kind with three humanoids in Ångermanland'

This article details an incident on October 18, 1977, near Trehörningsjö in Ångermanland, Sweden. Kurt Nilsson, a 35-year-old private radio operator, reported seeing a disc-shaped craft and three humanoid figures. The craft emitted a bluish light. The humanoids were described as about one meter tall, gray, and carrying a spade-like instrument. When Nilsson turned on his car's headlights, the craft and figures vanished. Later, the humanoids reappeared on the road, and one used the spade-like instrument, causing Nilsson's car lights and engine to fail. After restarting the car, Nilsson drove away. He later discovered his watch had lost time. The incident occurred at the same location where UFO-information director Kjell Näslund had a similar experience in 1969. The article includes sketches of the craft, humanoids, and the instrument.

'The Zone of Silence'

This section explores the mysterious 'Zone of Silence' in Mexico, an area where radio waves cannot be transmitted or received. It recounts the incident of an Athenafall rocket, launched from Utah, USA, in July 1970, which veered off course and landed in this zone, far from its intended target. The article discusses unusual phenomena observed in the zone, including strong light displays at night, a high concentration of meteorites, and strange mutations in flora and fauna. Metallurgist Harry Augustus de la Pena theorized that a high concentration of magnetic iron in the ground created a magnetic vortex, causing the radio silence and possibly influencing the mutations. The article also notes that ancient Egyptian cities like Thebes and Luxor are located at similar latitudes, suggesting a possible extraterrestrial connection to human civilization's origins.

'President Carter orders UFO research!'

This article reports that US President Jimmy Carter has instructed NASA to initiate research into UFOs. It also mentions that the issue of UFOs was discussed at the UN Political Committee, with Grenada's Prime Minister Eric Gairy proposing 1978 as an 'International UFO Year'. While the UN declined to allocate funds for research, the article implies that the topic is gaining official attention.

'Spanish Lieutenant General lifts UFO secrecy'

This article is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'

This film is highlighted on the cover and in the table of contents, suggesting its importance to the issue's theme and its potential to increase public interest in UFOs.

'Police saw clearly illuminated UFO'

This article is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

'The Bermuda Triangle'

This article is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

'Not the first time UFOs have attacked military aircraft'

This article is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

'NORAD chiefs admit UFO observations'

This article is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

'What's new'

This section likely provides updates on recent UFO-related news.

'UFO landing at Hönefoss in Norway'

This article is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

'1978 National Meeting'

This article likely discusses an upcoming or past national meeting for UFO enthusiasts.

UFO-Sverige and Contributions

UFO-INFORMATION is the official organ of the Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige. The magazine welcomes contributions from readers in the form of articles and discussion posts. Instructions are provided for submitting manuscripts, emphasizing double-spacing and writing on one side of the paper. Contributions can be sent directly to UFO-SVERIGE, Box 16, 596 01 Skänninge. The magazine is produced by its own printing press, with all work done voluntarily.

Exhibition Material

UFO-Nyköping Tvärvetenskaplig Förening has prepared a complete exhibition package for libraries and other venues. This package includes materials for approximately ten display screens and comes with clear assembly instructions. The rental cost for the exhibition is 75 SEK for a recommended period of two weeks. Additionally, there is an exhibition called 'UFO-Art 77' featuring oil paintings by artist Ambjörn. Contact Carl-Anton Mattsson for further information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, encounters with non-human entities, and the intersection of technology with broader existential questions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging a holistic view that integrates scientific investigation with spiritual or philosophical considerations. There is a clear effort to present detailed accounts of sightings and incidents, supported by witness testimonies and investigative efforts, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding.

This issue of UFO-Information from 1978 focuses on the declassification of UFO information by the Spanish military and a review of Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' The magazine highlights a significant event where a Spanish general personally delivered a dossier titled 'UFO-Inform' to journalist Juan José Bernitez, containing 78 pages of military-handled UFO cases. The issue also delves into the film's impact on ufology, military encounters with UFOs, and various reported sightings.

Spanish General Releases UFO Secrets

The lead article details how a Spanish general handed over a substantial UFO dossier to journalist Juan José Bernitez. This dossier, titled 'UFO-Inform,' comprises 78 pages and covers twelve UFO cases that the Spanish military had investigated. The documents include reports, interviews, and information on photographs, films, and radar contacts. The article notes that while not an official declaration, it represents a significant step for Spanish ufology. Several specific cases are highlighted, including an observation by the corvette 'Atrevida' on June 22, 1976, involving a gold-blue light source that exhibited unusual behavior, including hovering and forming a halo. Another case from Gran Canaria on October 24, 1976, describes a light-blue sphere observed by multiple witnesses, with details about the beings inside and their 'fin-like' hands. The dossier also mentions radar contacts and UFOs violating Spanish airspace, as well as encounters by military aircraft and a passenger plane.

'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' Film Review

Thorvald Berthelsen reviews Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' calling it a breakthrough for ufology. The film is described as a fictional narrative based on documentary material, aiming to confront audiences with the UFO phenomenon. Berthelsen praises the film's technical brilliance, special effects, and sound design, particularly noting the use of tones for communication with the 'ufonauts.' The acting, especially by Richard Dreyfuss and Melinda Dillon, is lauded, and the performance of child actor Cary Guffey is singled out as extraordinary. The review suggests the film's themes touch upon the idea of humanity's next evolutionary step and the concept of 'new gods,' drawing parallels to a 'cosmic Watergate' where hidden forces might be at play.

UFO Sightings and Military Encounters

The issue presents several accounts of UFO sightings and military interactions. One report details a sighting by two police officers in a helicopter in Southern California, describing a luminous object with incredible acceleration. Another incident involves Captain Tom Mantell, a military pilot who died in 1948 after pursuing a UFO, with speculation that he may have been shot down or met his end in a confrontation. The magazine also recounts an event where a NORAD radar station detected unidentified objects, and two F-106 fighter jets were scrambled in an unsuccessful attempt to intercept a UFO over Canada in 1975. Lieutenant Arthur B. Waggoner is quoted describing an aggressive encounter with a UFO over California, estimating its size at six meters in diameter and its color as orange, like molten steel.

NORAD Confirms UFOs on Radar

A section titled 'NORAD-chefer medger' (NORAD Chiefs Admit) reports that North American Air Defence Command (NORAD) has acknowledged tracking UFOs on radar. An incident on September 7, 1977, at the Port Austin airbase in Michigan, involved radar operators detecting five unidentified objects for approximately 30 minutes. Two police officers and a civilian also witnessed the phenomena from the ground. Major William Frensley, a NORAD information officer, stated that no planes were dispatched because the objects were not considered a threat to national security. The article also touches upon the Bermuda Triangle, noting that a Soviet scientist attributes the area's mysterious accidents to natural phenomena rather than supernatural forces.

Personal UFO Experiences

Melinda Dillon, an actress in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' shares her own UFO experience that occurred two weeks before she was cast in the film. She describes seeing a large orange light in the sky over the sea, which seemed to communicate with her telepathically. She also recounts an incident where electrical devices in her home spontaneously activated. The magazine also includes reports of a sailor observing a strange light phenomenon in the Baltic Sea and a weather observer in Västergötland, Sweden, spotting a dome-shaped, yellow-glowing object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the increasing evidence and official acknowledgment of UFO phenomena, the potential implications for humanity, and the role of media, particularly film, in shaping public perception. The magazine adopts a stance that UFOs are a serious subject worthy of investigation, often challenging official denials and highlighting military involvement. There is an emphasis on the need for continued research and public awareness, encouraging readers to subscribe to UFO-Information for further details. The editorial also touches upon the idea of 'meta-jordingar' (meta-earthlings), suggesting UFO occupants might be visitors from different times or dimensions, bringing a message of unity and hope.

This issue of UFO-Information focuses on UFO-related events and activities, primarily from late 1977 and early 1978. The main cover story details a UFO landing in Hönefoss, Norway, while other articles cover sightings in Sweden and discuss the organizational efforts of UFO-Sweden.

UFO Landing at Hönefoss, Norway

The primary article, "UFO-landning vid Hönefoss i Norge," compiled by Thorvald Berthelsen, recounts an incident on October 25, 1977. Two 14-year-old deaf-mute boys, Johnny Myhr and Frank Sverre Mandt, attending Almskolan in Åsbygda, Ringerike, Norway, reported seeing a UFO land in a freshly plowed field near their school. The object was described as light green and had windows, through which they perceived the outline of a man. The boys fled to the school to report the event. The headmaster, Per Sigmund Björndal, confirmed that the boys were upset and that three distinct marks were found in the ground where the object had landed. He noted that a helicopter landing would have been audible and seen by many people in the vicinity, suggesting it was not a conventional aircraft. The Norwegian defense force unit IR6 at Ringerike also conducted discreet investigations but found no explanation. Officer H. Fredrichsen stated that, to their knowledge, no helicopter was in the area.

Physical Evidence and Analysis

The research section of Norsk UFO-Center (NUFOC) conducted a thorough investigation on November 6, including making plaster casts of the landing marks. The article details the findings:

1. Credibility of Witnesses: The two boys are deemed credible and intelligent.
2. Nature of Marks: The three landing marks were caused by a heavy object, not pranksters. The ground at the bottom of the marks was hard-packed, and attempts to replicate the marks failed.
3. Radioactivity and Acidity: No increased radioactivity was detected, but an increased acidity was found in the soil within the landing marks. This phenomenon had also been observed in other Norwegian UFO cases.
4. Additional Witnesses: Other witnesses later came forward, reporting seeing the object at a distance.
5. Geometric Precision: The three marks formed a triangle with two sides measuring 660 cm and one side measuring 683 cm. The marks themselves were described as arc-shaped or U-shaped at the bottom, measuring 36 cm in length, 14.5 cm at their widest, and 7 cm at their narrowest. The depth of the impressions was 10 cm.

Norwegian media coverage was mixed: NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) gave the event significant attention, while the TV news program "Dagsrevyen" was hesitant, citing a lack of public interest. The Norwegian news agency NTB reported the incident, leading to its coverage in several Swedish newspapers. The article contrasts this with the minimal Swedish press coverage of a similar landing in Trehörningssjö, Sweden, the week prior.

Official Reactions and Bureaucracy

A section titled "Tyvärr - inte mitt bord" (Unfortunately - not my table) critiques the reactions of various Norwegian official bodies. Despite the clear physical evidence, the handling of the case was hampered by rigid regulations and bureaucracy. NUFO C had an official cooperation agreement with FO (Norwegian Defence Command), but the defense was unable to act without a formal report from the local police (a district sheriff's office). Public laboratories also proved uncooperative, with one institution holding an extra meeting that concluded the investigation of soil samples was not their responsibility. The article uses the phrase "Unfortunately - not my table" to describe this bureaucratic deflection.

Other UFO Sightings in Sweden

Storebro, Småland (October 10, 1977)

Cenneth Gustafzon and Roland Svensson observed a round object ascend from a mountain. After flashing a pocket torch, four similar objects appeared. Three of them faded away, while the fourth remained for about 25 seconds. The objects were described as fire yellow with red edges, very bright, and steady. The total observation time was approximately three minutes.

Skogsbo, Dalarna (November 10, 1977)

Two anonymous witnesses, one a pilot, reported seeing a red object emerge from behind trees, followed by a round object that glided low over the ground. The object appeared to have a blue-green front resembling a windshield, leading the witness to estimate its diameter at about two meters. It was described as somewhat flattened and silver-colored underneath with visible markings suggesting riveted metal. The object then backed away and disappeared. The observation lasted about ten seconds under clear weather conditions.

Borgholm, Öland (December 2, 1977)

Several people, including Karl Olsson (described as a skeptic), witnessed a strange object hovering at a low altitude. It was described as large, appearing as half the full moon, and emitting red, green, and yellow sparks. Three smaller objects later joined the larger one before it slowly moved away in a northeasterly direction. The event was silent.

Systematic Information Activities

In response to the perceived bureaucratic indifference from authorities, Norsk UFO-Center (NUFOC) announced plans for a more proactive information campaign. Starting in the first half of 1978, NUFOC intends to increase public awareness of UFO phenomena. This initiative will include a Swedish silent film, with Norwegian versions produced by Karl-Olov Pettersson and Ingvar Damm. The campaign aims to educate the public about the prevalence and nature of UFO reports globally. They also plan to engage the press and Norwegian television, believing that the topic deserves more attention than trivial matters.

UFO-Sweden's 1978 National Meeting Program

Page 4 outlines the program for UFO-Sweden's national meeting, scheduled for Saturday, March 18, 1978, at Folkets Hus in Stockholm. The agenda includes internal meetings for members, a screening of the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," and public sessions. The public part features an opening address by UFO-Sweden's chairman Thorvald Berthelsen, a talk by Carl-Axel Jonzon (founder of UFO-Sweden), a screening of UFO-Sweden's own film, a presentation by actor Per Ragnar, and a lecture by associate professor of astronomy Aage Sandqvist on the conditions for life in the universe. The program also includes a talk by Lieutenant Colonel Anders Hjulström on how the defense handles UFO issues, followed by a large Q&A and debate panel with experts including Sture Wickerts from the Swedish Defence Research Agency, Anders Palm (author), and Anders Gernandt (former test pilot).

Ticket Information and Special Screening

Information is provided on purchasing numbered tickets for the event at 20 Swedish kronor each, with a deadline of February 21 for advance orders via postal giro. A special screening of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is also announced for members at the Astoria cinema for 15 kronor, a discounted price from the usual 20 kronor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the contrast between compelling UFO evidence and the often dismissive or bureaucratic responses from official institutions. There is a clear editorial stance advocating for greater transparency and public awareness regarding UFO phenomena. The magazine emphasizes the importance of physical evidence, such as the landing marks in Hönefoss, and criticizes the lack of preparedness and willingness among authorities to investigate such cases thoroughly. The planned information campaign by UFO-Sweden reflects a proactive approach to counter this perceived official inertia and to educate the public about the global UFO phenomenon.